Ambassador's Son Critically Wounded in Ramming Attack

The Benjamin Regional Council announced Wednesday evening that the critically wounded victim in today's terror attack near Route 443 is IDF reservist Neriya Leiter, son of Chani and Yechiel Leiter of the community of Eli. His father serves as Israel's ambassador to the United States.

The family has asked the public to recite Psalms and pray for the complete recovery of their beloved son, Neriya Dov ben Chana. According to medical officials, the victim suffered a head injury. He was evacuated unconscious, sedated and ventilated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

The wounded man's brother, Moshe Yedidya Leiter, fell in battle in northern Gaza in the month of Cheshvan 5784 at age 39. He was killed by a powerful explosive device near a tunnel shaft in Beit Hanoun, along with other soldiers.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the terrorist drove his vehicle toward a police car and ran over Leiter. Forces at the scene eliminated the terrorist on site. The terrorist was identified as Mahmoud Mohammed Mahmoud Suleiman, 29, a resident of Beit Ur al-Tahta.

Moments of the attack (Photo: Section 27a, security cameras)

Defense Minister Israel Katz said: "I am praying for the swift recovery of Neriya Leiter, an IDF reservist who was critically wounded in the attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, son of Israel's ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter. Yechiel, I strengthen you and your family and pray together with all of Israel for your son's recovery. I commend the heroic soldiers who eliminated the terrorist. To the IDF soldiers and security forces: I believe in you and trust you, we will not allow terror to raise its head."

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan said: "We are praying together with all the residents of Samaria for the recovery of the wounded man and strengthening his family in this difficult hour. The council will assist the victims' support system and the family, and together with the community we will embrace and help in every way we can. All of Israel is united in prayer for his recovery. Against murderous terror we must act with a strong hand and restore deterrence. We send strength to the security forces who are on the front lines protecting Israel's citizens."