Israeli Ambassador's Son Critically Injured in West Bank Car Ramming
A car ramming near Beit Horon in the occupied West Bank left an Israeli soldier and the ambassador's son critically wounded, raising tensions and drawing international attention.
By Nadia Hussain · First published 24 Sept 2026
In brief
- A Palestinian driver rammed a car into Israeli security personnel near Beit Horon in the occupied West Bank.
- Neria Leiter, son of Israel's ambassador to the US, was critically injured and is fighting for his life.
- An Israeli policewoman was also targeted in the attack while conducting vehicle checks with Leiter at an intersection.
- The attacker was shot and killed by Israeli forces at the scene following the incident.
- Officials and family members say Neria Leiter remains in critical condition and is receiving intensive medical care.
Timeline · 4 moments
Israeli soldier and policewoman targeted in West Bank car ramming
NDTV Top Stories ↗Attacker shot dead by Israeli forces after ramming
Arab News ↗Ambassador confirms son Neria Leiter was injured in attack
Middle East Eye ↗Neria Leiter's condition described as critical, family asks for prayers
CBS Top Stories ↗How it started
On September 23, a vehicle attack took place near the Israeli settlement of Beit Horon, west of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Israeli police said a Palestinian driver sped toward security personnel who were conducting vehicle checks at an intersection. Among those at the checkpoint was Neria Leiter, an Israeli soldier and the son of Israel's ambassador to the United States.
The area has seen frequent tensions and security operations, making checkpoints a common target for such attacks. The incident immediately drew media attention due to the identity of one of the injured.
How it unfolded
According to police reports on September 23, the driver accelerated toward a policewoman and a soldier at the intersection near Beit Horon. Neria Leiter and the policewoman were both in the process of checking vehicles when the attack occurred. The attacker was shot and killed by Israeli forces on the scene, according to Arab News.
Shortly after the incident, it became clear that Neria Leiter was among the injured. His father, Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, confirmed that his son was the soldier hurt in the attack, as reported by Middle East Eye. News outlets throughout the evening highlighted the severity of Neria's injuries, with officials stating he was critically injured and fighting for his life, according to CBS Top Stories.
The attack was described as a suspected car-ramming, and the incident quickly made headlines in Israel and abroad. Local authorities and medical teams responded rapidly to the scene, providing emergency care before transferring the injured to the hospital.
Where it stands
Neria Leiter remains in critical condition as of the latest reports, and his family has asked for prayers and support. The Israeli military and police are continuing their investigation into the incident and maintaining heightened security in the area.
Officials have not released further details about the attacker, but the rapid response and the high-profile nature of the victim have kept the incident in the public eye.
What to watch
Updates on Neria Leiter's medical condition are expected in the coming days. The response from Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as any potential escalation in the area, will be closely monitored.


