Shimon Peres Elected President of Israel
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Interesting move into a largely ceremonial role. Question: Will Peres try to make the traditionally empty role more politically active? My guess is yes.
Despite the octogenarian Peres' record as a Nobel laureate, former prime minister, protege of David Ben-Gurion and founder of Israel's nuclear program, much of his political legacy was still riding on the vote, following a string of electoral defeats going back decades.
The Peres victory followed an especially painful defeat seven years ago at the hands of then-Likud MK Moshe Katsav. On the eve of the vote, Peres was said to have been assured by no less than 66 lawmakers that they would vote for him. But when the votes were counted in a secret ballot, 63 MKs had voted for Katsav and only 57 for Peres.
Katsav, who now faces the possibility of rape and sexual assault charges, has suspended himself from presidential duties.
Rivlin, a former speaker of the Knesset who enjoys broad popularity in the house, was until recently seen as the clear favorite in the race. But a late surge by Peres, courting the endorsement of ultra-Orthodox spiritual leaders and other key figures, closed the gap.
Labels: Middle East
Posted by B Feiler at 9:48 AM
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