Michael Katz, son of Israeli ambassador, critically injured in West Bank attack

The son of Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Katz, was seriously injured on Saturday in a vehicle‑ramming attack near the settlement of Ariel in the occupied West Bank, officials said. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time when a car driven by an unidentified Palestinian plowed into the diplomatic convoy, injuring Katz and two other passengers. He was taken to a hospital in Ramallah and remains in critical condition.

The attack comes amid a sharp rise in violence in the West Bank over the past month. Israeli settlements have expanded, and clashes between settlers and Palestinians have increased. Palestinian militants have stepped up attacks on Israeli civilians and diplomatic staff, citing frustration over stalled peace talks and the expansion of settlements deemed illegal under international law. The United States has warned both sides to avoid escalation, but the region remains volatile.

Israeli officials identified the assailant as a 28‑year‑old resident of the nearby town of Qalqilya. Police say he fled the scene and was later arrested in a nearby village. The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the act as a “terrorist attack” and called for an immediate investigation. The U.S. State Department expressed “deep concern” and pledged to cooperate with Israeli authorities. Palestinian Authority spokespersons denied involvement, calling the incident “an isolated criminal act” and urging calm.

The incident is likely to heighten security for diplomatic missions in the West Bank. Israeli security forces have increased patrols around settlement roads and are reviewing convoy protocols. The ambassador, Gilad Elyakim, is expected to return to Washington later this week, but may request a temporary leave. The United States is expected to raise the matter with the Palestinian leadership in upcoming talks, seeking assurances to protect foreign diplomats and prevent further attacks.