Son of ambassador Yechiel Leiter identified as soldier seriously wounded in Maccabim terror attack

American citizen Neria Leiter, the son of Israel's Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, is the reservist who was seriously wounded in a car-ramming terror attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, also known as the Bell checkpoint, on Wednesday.In 2023, one of Leiter's other sons, Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidya, was killed in Gaza. He was the company commander of 551st Brigade's 697th Battalion.Neria is currently under sedation in serious condition at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.Leiter is on his way back to Israel from the United States and will not join Prime Minister Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday."I am grateful to the IDF, to the medical team at Shaare Zedek who are now fighting to save the life of Neria Dov ben Chana, and for the prayers of the people of Israel," Leiter shared in a late Wednesday statement. "I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen. Neria needs a miracle.""Neria continued to serve in the reserves after losing his older brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter, of blessed memory. Since October 7th, he has served hundreds of days in the reserves on multiple fronts.""Palestinian terrorism seeks to uproot the people of Israel from their land. They choose death - we choose life," he said.I am grateful to the IDF, to the medical team at Shaare Zedek who are now fighting to save the life of Neria Dov ben Chana, and for the prayers of the people of Israel.I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that when the people of Israel unite, miracles happen. Neria…— Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter (@yechielleiter) September 23, 2026Defense Minister Israel Katz sent his condolences to Leiter's family and prayed for his quick recovery."Yechiel, I stand with you and your family, and I pray alongside the entire nation of Israel for your son's recovery," said Katz. "I commend the heroic fighters who eliminated the terrorist. To the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces: I believe in you and trust you; we will not allow terror to rear its head.""We join all the residents of Samaria in praying for the victim's recovery and offer our support to his family during this difficult time," said Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. "The Council will assist the victim's family, and together with the community, we will embrace and support them in every way possible. The entire nation of Israel is united in prayer for his recovery.""We must respond to murderous terrorism with a firm hand and restore deterrence. We send our support to the security forces on the front lines who are protecting the citizens of Israel."The terrorist was killed by IDF troops who were at the scene as he attempted to flee. He has been identified as Mahmoud Muhammad Mahmoud Suleiman, 29, a resident of Beit Ur al-Tahta.Israel Police stated that the terrorist had hit a police patrol vehicle belonging to the Judea and Samaria District. An officer and a soldier were inside the vehicle as part of a joint operation. "United Hatzalah's dispatch center sent us to the scene of a vehicular ramming attack near Bell Checkpoint," said United Hatzalah paramedics Itzik Kara and Netanel Cohen. "Assisted by IDF medical teams, we provided initial medical treatment at the scene, including respiratory support, the administration of life-saving medication, bandaging, and splinting, to a man who was subsequently transported to the hospital in serious condition."Palestinian shot after reported car-ramming attack attempt near HebronEarlier on Wednesday, two Palestinians reportedly attempted to run over the owner of a farm in the Hebron Hills.The farm owner began shooting at them in accordance with the "suspect arrest procedure," wounding one of the individuals in the leg, according to reports.IDF troops were deployed to the area, N12 News reported, adding that the incident is under review.Avi Ashkenazi contributed to this report.