IDF soldier Sergeant Maksym Molchanov, 20 years old, was killed on Thursday morning as a result of a ramming attack adjacent to the Maccabim Checkpoint.
Molchanov moved from Ukraine to the city of Herzliya. He was a combat soldier from the 282nd Brigade.
The soldier was promoted in rank from Corporal to Sergeant after his death.
His family has been notified.
"The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and will continue to support them," the IDF wrote in a statement.
President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences: “On behalf of the people of Israel, I send my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Maxim Molchanov, the IDF soldier who was killed this morning in an attack at the Maccabim checkpoint. Maxim was a lone soldier who came alone from Ukraine to enlist in the IDF and fight for Israel's security.
I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack and send my support to the security forces who acted quickly and decisively to eliminate the despicable terrorist.”
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency For Israel Major General (Res.) Doron Almog stated: "The tragic attack today near Modiin took the life of IDF soldier Cpl. Maksym Molchanov, who came to Israel at the age of 14 with the support of The Jewish Agency. Max studied at our Hadassah Neurim Youth Village. Max tied his fate with Israel’s and lost his life defending Israel.
Just half a year ago, Max donated bone marrow to a 12-year-old in a moving act of kindness. Max’s story is the extraordinary story of brave young men and women, full of a sense of mission and love for the only Jewish state in the world."
Almog concluded: "My heart goes out to his parents in Ukraine who today received the hardest news of all. The Jewish Agency will accompany the family and help in any way we can. May Maksym’s memory and legacy be a source of inspiration for many young people."
Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk stated: "The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel bows its head and sends its condolences to the family of the soldier, born in Ukraine, who immigrated to Israel out of a mission and love for the country. We feel the pain of the family and empathize with the loss and pain. May both nations, Israelis and Ukrainians, enjoy peace and tranquility, and pain will stop being a part of our lives".
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited the scene of the ramming attack at the Maccabim Checkpoint near Modiin, flanked by the commander of the Central Command, the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, and the commander of the Menashe Regional Brigade.
The Chief of the General Staff conducted an initial inquiry into the attack in which an IDF soldier was killed and three additional soldiers were injured. As part of the inquiry, the Chief of the General Staff was presented with initial conclusions from the attack and the assessments of the troops for countermeasures and defense in the area.
The Chief of the General Staff referred to the operational situation following the recent attacks and said, "We are increasing countermeasures in Judea and Samaria, and we will draw conclusions immediately from the initial inquiry."
The investigation found that the terrorist, a 40-year-old Palestinian Arab who held an Israeli work permit, entered Israeli territory on foot in the morning. He used a vehicle that was not his, drove eastbound on Route 443, and made a U-turn near the Maccabiim Checkpoint.
The terrorist rammed three young Israelis and a Palestinian teenager and continued driving for several minutes. While driving, he hit an Israeli car, injuring two passengers lightly. After about 6 KM, while trying to commit a second attack, he turned the vehicle toward the Hashmonaim Checkpoint. He was eliminated by four Crossings Authority security guards.