Q& A: Tzipi Livni, Israeli Foreign Minister

He knew this was the right thing to do. At the same time, he tried to give them possibilities for the future -- to give them more money. We had weekly meetings during this process of all the government ministries and he asked about the cows in one part, and how are these people managing, and are schools open to take in the kids . . . I think people cannot understand how many details were involved. We all knew we were making the right decision, but it was heartbreaking.

What was Sharon's most important political contribution to Israel?

The disengagement plan changed totally the terms of the conflict and the political map in Israel. It changed some of the right-wing understanding and should change the international community's attitude toward Israel. Until then, Israel was blamed as a country that wants to control the lives of the Palestinians and will not dismantle any settlements.

I entered politics because I wanted to influence the political situation -- to do something about the Israeli-Palestinian question. This is my drive to enter politics. I am a pretty good lawyer and I decided to close the office and to enter politics.

Sharon liked you.

I feel that I gained his trust and confidence in the last two or three years. We could speak and he could feel he would not read it in tomorrow's newspapers. . . . The day I was nominated [by acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert] to be foreign minister I missed his presence in the cabinet meeting.

What kind of gap will be left by his absence from politics?

It depends on us: There is Olmert, [Transportation Minister] Meir Sheetrit, Avi Dichter [former chief of the Israel internal security agency]. All of us are a group and I believe that we understand that we have the responsibility to work together.

Will the center hold without Sharon?

I believe so, yes. It was a question even before he got ill. Was it a one-man show, or a one-time party? I knew that [it would hold] if we sent the public a message that we care for Israel's future and are responsible and represent the ideas of the vast majority of the public.