We said we were coming [into the government] to implement, and assist [Israeli premier] Ariel Sharon in implementing, the disengagement [from Gaza]. We are demanding the confidence of the public; it will be very difficult...

It looks like a package deal. We spoke about their remaining and not defecting to another party. But apparently things were already sealed, and the talks with us were nothing but a smoke screen.

It is clear there is more than one option to form the next government.

The public did not unequivocally determine which is the largest party.

We received almost everything we wanted and even more than we expected. When we received the Education Ministry, it made it easier to accept the deal even though we wanted the Finance Ministry.