New Israeli president chosen

Israel’s parliament has chosen Reuven Rivlin, a stalwart in the ruling Likud Party, as the country’s next president.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Jun 2014, 18:03 BST

Policy makers chose the former parliament speaker and cabinet minister in a secret run-off ballot against long-time legislator Meir Sheetrit, by 63 votes to 53.

Mr Rivlin faces the difficult task of succeeding Shimon Peres, a Nobel peace laureate who brought the position international prestige.

The job of the presidency is largely ceremonial, but Mr Rivlin’s political views could prove tricky.

He opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, putting him at odds with the international community and even his own prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Rivlin, 74, has been a supporter of Jewish settlements in occupied lands claimed by the Palestinians.

Benjamin Netanyahu Palestinians