Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom met with leaders of the Samarian Jewish community of Karnei Shomron on Thursday. During his visit, the Minister for Development of the Galilee and the Negev planted a tree. He said the planting symbolized Israeli roots in the land. He continued, "Karnei Shomron is important to Israel's defense. It is an integral and inseparable part of the state and will stay that way in any future agreement."
Regarding the flotilla trying to break the naval blockade on Gaza, Shalom said it was a provocation whose sole intent was to delegitimize Israel since there is no humanitarian crisis in the Hamas-controlled area. He said even if this flotilla is found just to have toys, the next one will have medium-range rockets, which represent a significant threat to Israel."