FIRST REPORT: Son of Israel Ambassador to U.S. Critically Wounded in Ramming Attack Near Jerusalem

A terrorist rammed his car into a police patrol at the Maccabim checkpoint on Route 443, between Modiin and Jerusalem, on Wednesday afternoon, seriously wounding an Israeli man in his 30s.

Belaaz can first report that the wounded man is the son of Israeli Ambassador to the US, Dr. Yechiel Leiter. Another son of Ambassador Leiter was sadly killed while fighting in Gaza after October 7.

According to police, the terrorist sped toward a Judea and Samaria District patrol car and ran over a member of its crew. Forces at the scene shot and killed the terrorist, identified as Mahmoud Suleiman, 29, from the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta west of Ramallah.

Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem said the wounded man arrived unconscious and underwent lifesaving treatment in the trauma room. He was then transferred for further tests and remains sedated and on a ventilator in serious condition.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter called for prayers for his son Neria Dov ben Chana, who is critically injured and receiving treatment at Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Leiter said Neria continued serving in the reserves after his older brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter HY”D, was killed, and has served hundreds of days across multiple fronts since October 7. “Neria needs a miracle,” Leiter wrote.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said: “I pray for the speedy recovery of Neria Leiter, an IDF reserve fighter who was seriously wounded in the attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, son of Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter. Yechiel, I stand with you and your family and pray together with all the people of Israel for your son’s recovery.

“Katz praised the forces who killed the terrorist, adding: “To IDF soldiers and the security forces: I believe in you and rely on you. We will not allow terror to raise its head.”

The attack comes three days after Netanel Shakron hy”d, 48, was murdered in a shooting attack at the Ein Ria spring in Binyamin.

Belaaz will add more details as they become available.