Israeli-American Elan Ganeles killed in a Palestinian terror attack near Jericho

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides confirmed that the 27-year-old, killed in a drive-by shooting, held dual citizenship

Updated 8:54 am Israel time.

A 27-year-old Israeli-American, Elan Ganeles, was murdered on Monday near the West Bank city of Jericho, after he was shot by Palestinian gunmen while driving his car.

According to local reports, the bullets hit the driver in the upper body in what made him deviate from the road and crash his car. Medical teams from Magen David Adom that arrived at the scene reported that the man was unconscious and evacuated him to Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem, where he succumbed to his wounds hours later.

Israeli security forces guard at the scene of a shooting attack in Bet Ha'Arava Junction, in the Jordan Valley, Feb. 27, 2023. Photo by Erik Marmor/Flash90

Elan Ganeles, who was killed in a terror shooting in the West Bank, Feb. 27, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Consulate General of Israel in New York)

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides confirmed in a tweet on Monday evening that the victim held American citizenship.

“Sadly, I can confirm that a U.S. citizen was killed in one of the terror attacks in the West Bank tonight. I pray for his family,” Nides posted.

At the time, the U.S. State Department did not identify the person killed.

Two additional Israeli-owned vehicles were also shot by the same group of Palestinian gunmen, but managed to escape unscathed to a nearby junction, where they reported the incident to Israeli security forces.

The Palestinian gunmen reportedly escaped the scene after setting fire to the car they were driving and switching vehicles. The assailants fled toward Jericho, where reports indicated a live fire exchange took place between Israeli security forces and Palestinians.

The Israel Defense Forces has launched a manhunt to capture the Palestinian terrorists, setting up roadblocks and checkpoints in the area.

Earlier in the day, two Israeli brothers who were shot and killed in the West Bank town of Huwara – Hillel (22) and Yagel (20) Yaniv – were laid to rest next to each other in Jerusalem's Mount Herzl Cemetery The gunman responsible for their murder has not yet been apprehended.

Following the attack, Jewish settlers descended upon the Palestinian town to seek revenge. They set fire to dozens of homes, cars and shops. One person was killed and several others wounded, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said on Monday that the Israeli military will deploy hundreds of more troops to the West Bank due to the spike in violence.

The UN Security Council is expected to convene for an emergency session on Tuesday to discuss the recent deadly incidents in the region.