In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, "This was a reprehensible act by a bloodthirsty Jewish terrorist who sought to attack innocent Israeli citizens.... I send condolences to the families of those who were murdered and my best wishes for a quick recovery to those who were wounded. The entire State of Israel, regardless of race, religion or sex, strongly condemns this act of terrorism."

In a phone conversation with Israeli Arab Monitoring Committee Chairman Shaouki Khatib and Shfaram Mayor Ursan Yassin Thursday, Prime Minister Sharon expressed his sorrow over the shootings. The prime minister said that Jews and Arabs will always live in the State of Israel together and added that even in the wake of such horrific events, we will succeed in maintaining quiet together. He asked to convey his condolences to the families of those who were murdered and his best wishes for a quick recovery to the wounded.

Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres called the mayor of Shfaram, as well, saying, "I am deeply shocked and distressed by the murder of innocent people, by the murder of citizens by a fellow citizen. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as my wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. All of us need to work harder to strengthen the bonds of brotherly and peaceful relations among us."

Interior Minister Ofir Paz-Pines also expressed his condolences and support for the people of Shfaram in a conversation with Mayor Yassin. He requested that the mayor make every effort possible to calm the atmosphere in the city, saying that he would visit Shfaram soon.

Mayor Yassin told national leaders that he will make every effort to help calm the situation. He also requested that the police find and arrest the accessories to the murders and that the government do its utmost to root out and prevent such hateful phenomena from recurring.

The Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria expressed shock at the attack, denouncing the murders as being committed by someone "crazy." Out of respect for the dead, Disengagement Plan opponents said they will postpone further protest activities until Saturday night.

Government sources declared that the Shfaram attack won't halt the withdrawal from Gaza and northern Samaria.

Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, representing 52 member organizations, issued a statement Thursday condemning the attack. Conference of Presidents Chairman Harold Tanner and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein, said, "We unequivocally condemn today's attack, as has the Israeli government. Such acts must be denounced by all responsible leaders. As we wait for all the facts to emerge, it appears to be the work of an individual who decided to commit an act of terrorism. All possible measures must be taken to prevent further attacks, especially with the current, charged political atmosphere. We offer our condolences to the families of those murdered today and a full and speedy recovery to those wounded."