Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the United States, said his son Neria remains critically injured after a car-ramming attack at the Bell checkpoint on Route 443, though doctors have observed "encouraging signs." Leiter thanked those offering prayers and urged continued support for all victims. He contrasted the incident with the earlier instant death of his other son and said he was heartened to learn that Neria's condition had stabilized. Neria is being treated at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where Leiter's daughter—who recently gave birth—is also recovering nearby.
Israeli Ambassador Says Son Remains Critical but Shows 'Encouraging Signs' After West Bank Car-Ramming
Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter gives a press conference on September 24, 2026, after his son Neria was seriously wounded in a terror attack. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said his son, IDF reservist Neria Leiter, remains critically injured after a car-ramming attack at the Bell checkpoint on Route 443 in the West Bank, but doctors and the family have observed "encouraging signs." Neria is being treated at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.
Leiter, who was in the United States when the attack occurred, described the situation as fragile. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that "Neria's life is still hanging in the balance, but we have seen some encouraging signs, and we are holding onto them with hope." He expressed gratitude to those who have offered prayers and support.
"We believe in the power of prayer, in the fact that the Lord hears prayers and can heal even when healing seems impossible," Leiter said, adding a request that prayers include "complete healing for all those who were severely injured by terrorists."
At a Thursday press conference, Leiter contrasted this incident with the earlier, sudden death of his other son, Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidya, who "died instantly" and could not be taken to a hospital for treatment. He said he had feared returning to Israel with no hope, and was relieved to learn that Neria's condition had stabilized enough to show signs of improvement.
Neria Leiter. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
Leiter also praised Neria and the other young people with him, calling them "the heroes who ensure that we can persevere and prevail in the fight against those who sow murder and destruction," and framed the attack as part of a broader struggle for the future of civilization.
Leiter revealed that his daughter, who visited Neria in hospital, gave birth the following day and is recovering in the same medical complex only about 40 meters away. The family continues to ask for privacy and prayers while Neria receives treatment.
Key facts: The attack occurred on Wednesday at the Bell checkpoint on Route 443; Neria is an IDF reservist receiving care at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem; the ambassador has publicly thanked those offering prayers and asked for continued support.
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