Israel Matzav

President Rivlin!

As of July, we will finally have a President who is more pro-Israel than pro-'Palestinian.' Former Knesset speaker Reuven 'Ruby' Rivlin has been elected Israel's tenth President by the Knesset. He will serve a 7-year term.

Rivlin, who won out in a field of five presidential candidates, will replace President Shimon Peres in the position when the 90-year-old steps down on July 27 when his seven year term comes to a close.

Sheetrit and Rivlin went to a second round runoff round after none of the candidates managed to get a majority 61 votes in the first round of voting on Tuesday.

Rivlin lead the first round with 44 votes, followed by Sheetrit with 31 votes, former MK Dalia Itzik with 28 votes, former Supreme Court justice Dalia Dorner with 13 votes and Nobel Laureate Dan Shechtman with only one vote.

Rivlin teared up during a speech to the Likud faction on Monday afternoon, saying "I was born in the [Likud forebear] Herut Party and I never left it for any temptation. Tomorrow may be my greatest hour, but it may be an important time for the whole party, in which one of its sons will become president of our country."

At the beginning of the faction meeting, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu did not mention the presidential race of his own volition, simply answering positively when asked by reporters if he wants to wish Rivlin good luck. Then, the two awkwardly shook hands.

When photographers asked if Netanyahu wants to express his support for the cameras, he said "I already did."

Rivlin is opposed to the creation of a 'Palestinian state.'

Here's hoping he brings back the President's Conference, which unfortunately is not happening this year.

Labels: Binyamin Netanyahu, Israeli Knesset, Ruby Rivlin, Shimon Peres

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:43 PM