The Independent
Israel’s parliament has elected Reuven Rivlin, an ardent Jewish nationalist with a reputation as a staunch democrat, as the country’s next president, replacing Shimon Peres, the internationally respected statesman who in recent years provided a dovish foil to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Rivlin, a former speaker of parliament from the ruling Likud party, gained 63 votes in a run-off against centrist politician Meir Sheetrit, who gained 53 votes. His election ended a gruelling and often ugly contest for a job which is largely ceremonial but also offers incumbents chances to wield influence. Mr Peres used his post to conduct secret negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr Rivlin, 74, is seen as being independent of Mr Netanyahu. They have a long-standing feud and the Prime Minister sought to thwart his candidacy until he realised he was too popular to stop.
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Israel’s parliament has elected Reuven Rivlin, an ardent Jewish nationalist with a reputation as a staunch democrat, as the country’s next president, replacing Shimon Peres, the internationally respected statesman who in recent years provided a dovish foil to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Rivlin, a former speaker of parliament from the ruling Likud party, gained 63 votes in a run-off against centrist politician Meir Sheetrit, who gained 53 votes. His election ended a gruelling and often ugly contest for a job which is largely ceremonial but also offers incumbents chances to wield influence. Mr Peres used his post to conduct secret negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr Rivlin, 74, is seen as being independent of Mr Netanyahu. They have a long-standing feud and the Prime Minister sought to thwart his candidacy until he realised he was too popular to stop.
Read more
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