From now on, nothing is impossible for Israel, which is a normal country like any other. We won't wait another half a century to sit on the Security Council.

Thank God that the fate of Israel and of the Jewish people is not decided in this hall.

This has been probably one of the most tragic events to hit Israel certainly since the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin. Sharon is not just a leader who is very respected, he's also a leader who is very much loved by the people.

This is not a dramatic development, as Israel also favors a Middle East clean of nuclear weapons, when no threat will exist. The Iranian issue is what the UN is dealing with. The message is clear: Iran poses an immediate and terrifying global threat and it is good that the world has come to its senses.

I think Sharon comes to New York proud of his country.

We still expect as a country that Israel is going to fulfill its commitment. We have no reason to believe that Israel will try to evade its responsibility.