Peres visits Gilad Shalit in Mitzpe Hila

Peres, who spoke with parents Noam and Aviva, did not speak to the press. After he left, Noam Shalit said Gilad was aware of the public’s support and the many visitors who have arrived at the family home in recent days, bringing flowers, candy and personal souvenirs.

"He has seen the people and appreciates it. He knows about the widespread public support during the years of the struggle. He is aware of it and is grateful for it," Noam Shalit said.

Regarding Gilad’s reaction to the president’s visit, the former captive soldier’s father said, "He doesn’t talk much but feels the appreciation, as was also demonstrated by the fact that the president personally came here. He could have also invited him to his residence in Jerusalem."

Commenting on his condition, Noam Shalit noted that Gilad was feeling good and mainly wishes to return to normal. "The main thing that we ask for at this time, and so does Gilad, is to quickly return to old habits – playing basketball and ping-pong, watching television. That’s the only thing we are seeking and we hope the public will understand this."

He added that the medical examinations that Gilad is slated to undergo in the near future were routine.

On Sunday, police removed the roadblock that was placed near Shalit’s home and left the premises. The barrier kept onlookers and reporters from getting too close to the IDF soldier. "We are leaving the site, but a police car will patrol the area every hour," a police official told Ynet.

Last Tuesday, Peres welcomed Shalit upon his return from Hamas captivity, saying: "We are sharing with you the excitement, with tearful eyes and a joyful heart.

"We saw you pale, but proud, and we are proud with you. You have returned to us, and we have returned to ourselves. The children of Israel and IDF soldiers are tasting the taste of freedom with you – the taste of a homeland," he said.

Peres also used his public meeting with Israeli negotiator David Meidan last week to laud Turkey for its contribution to securing the Shalit deal.

Without elaborating, Peres said, "I was pleasantly surprised by the Turkish government’s stand.

"They put everything aside and favored the humanitarian side over politics," said Peres, addressing the Turkish stand on the captive soldiers, regardless of the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

"I was told that it was done by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan," Peres said of the man who has been constantly attacking Israel since the flotilla raid on a Turkish Gaza-bound ship.