Isaac Herzog
Jerusalem (AP) — The former head of Israel’s Labor Party and opposition leader, Isaac Herzog, has been elected as Israel’s 11th President.
An anonymous vote was held Tuesday among the 120 members of the Knesset, or parliament with Herzog defeating challenger Miriam Peretz 87 to 27.
Herzog will officially replace outgoing President Reuven Rivlin next month, with his seven-year term beginning on July 9th.
The largely ceremonial role of President is meant to serve as the nation’s moral compass and promote unity.
The 60-year-old Herzog comes from a prominent family. His father also served as president and his grandfather was Israel’s first chief rabbi.
Israel’s president selects a candidate to form a government after parliamentary elections and also has the power to grant pardons.
