Israel won't uproot tree gifted by President Obama

The Israeli government said Thursday it would not uproot a magnolia tree given by President Obama to Israeli President Shimon Peres, despite reports the country wanted to perform an agricultural inspection.

"The Office of the President and the Ministry of Agriculture would like to clarify that, contrary to recent reports, the magnolia tree, given as a gift to President Peres by U.S. President Barack Obama, and planted in the garden of the [residence], will not be removed from its place," the Israeli government said in a statement.

"The relevant authority in the Ministry of Agriculture will conduct all the necessary tests in accordance with the law within the garden of the President's Residence without removing the tree from the place where it was planted, as was agreed."

Obama brought the magnolia tree to Israel aboard Air Force One, and told reporters Wednesday it was "just like what we have outside the White House."

"It is an incredible honor to offer this tree to this beautiful garden, and to someone who is champion of the Israeli people and a champion of peace," Obama said as he helped plant it in the president's garden.

According to the White House, the tree was intended "to signify the strong roots of the relationship between the United States and Israel." The tree is a biological descendant of an original magnolia tree on the White House grounds, and was planted near an olive tree brought by Pope Emeritus Benedict in 2009.

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