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Israel’s ambassador to the US says son injured in West Bank car-ramming

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-23

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, reported that his son, a soldier, was injured in a car-ramming attack at a checkpoint near Ramallah on September 23, 2026. The driver of the vehicle was shot and killed by Israeli forces. • Why it matters: The incident has garnered significant attention due to the ambassador's position and highlights the ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank, impacting families and communities on both sides of the conflict. • What to watch next: The health status of Neria Dov ben Chana and the potential implications of this incident on Israeli-Palestinian relations and public sentiment in the region will be closely monitored.

**Title: Israel’s Ambassador to the US Reports Son Injured in West Bank Car-Ramming Incident**

**Date: September 23, 2026**

In a troubling incident in the occupied West Bank, Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, announced that his son, Neria Dov ben Chana, a soldier, was injured during an alleged car-ramming attack at a checkpoint west of Ramallah. The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, and has drawn significant attention due to the ambassador's prominent position.

According to Israeli police, the attack took place when a vehicle accelerated towards Israeli forces stationed at a checkpoint near the settlement of Beit Horon. Following the incident, Israeli soldiers shot and killed the driver, identified as 29-year-old Mahmoud Mohammad Mahmoud Suleiman by the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry also reported that Israeli authorities are currently holding Suleiman's body.

In a social media post, Ambassador Leiter expressed concern for his son, stating that medical teams were “fighting to save the life” of Neria, who was reported to be in serious condition. Israel's national emergency services confirmed that the injured soldier was evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

The incident has sparked reactions from various officials. Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed his solidarity with Leiter, stating, “All of Israel is praying for your son … who was critically wounded in today’s heinous terrorist attack.” This statement underscores the gravity with which the Israeli government views the incident.

This event is particularly poignant for Ambassador Leiter, as it follows the tragic loss of another son, Moshe Yedidya, who was killed in Gaza in November 2023 during military operations that began shortly after the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023. The ongoing violence in the region continues to impact families and communities on both sides.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of such incidents on the already tense relations between Israelis and Palestinians. The car-ramming attack and subsequent military response highlight the volatile environment in the occupied territories, where clashes and violence have become increasingly frequent.

The Israeli government has not released further details regarding the incident or the ongoing investigation. However, it is clear that the ramifications of this event will resonate beyond the immediate tragedy, potentially influencing public sentiment and policy in both Israel and the Palestinian territories.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the health of Neria Dov ben Chana and the broader implications of violence in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera
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