On Wednesday, IDF reservist Neria Leiter was seriously wounded in a car-ramming attack by a terrorist in the West Bank. Neria is the son of Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter. The Times of Israel reports that the assailant was shot by troops operating at the scene after the attack. Neria was taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where he underwent emergency brain surgery. He is currently fighting for his life in a medically induced coma.
The assailant accelerated toward a police cruiser stationed at the “Bell” checkpoint — where Routes 4436 and 4437 from Beit Ur and Ramallah hit the major Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway Route 443 — running over Neria Leiter, who was operating alongside a cop, the military and police said.
The IDF said troops operating at the scene fatally shot the assailant who carried out the ramming. He was identified by Israeli security officials as Mahmoud Mohammad Sliman, 29, from the nearby village of Beit Ur al-Tahta.
The Magen David Adom ambulance service said its medics treated the soldier, who was unconscious after he was hit.
(Dr. Alon) Schwartz indicated that the surgery lasted for hours and said Leiter’s condition stabilized, though he was still in serious condition, adding that multiple medical teams were working on him. The doctor also said Leiter’s head injury was the most severe and dangerous wound he sustained.
Neria’s older brother, Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed in Gaza in November 2023 during the Swords of Iron War. The people of Israel are rallying around the family in prayer and support as Ambassador Yechiel Leiter says his son will need a miracle. He said, “I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen.”
The assailant was identified as Mahmoud Mohammad Sliman from the nearby village of Beit Ur al-Tahta. The attack comes amid heightened security tensions in the West Bank following the fatal shooting of Netanel Shukrun four days ago. Amid the heightened tensions, the IDF’s 98th Division will increase its presence in the area.
During this difficult time, The Fellowship and our supporters join the people of Israel in praying for Neria Leiter and his family. May he continue to receive the very best care and fully recover.