Rivlin replaces Perez as Israeli president
Far-right hawk Reuven Rivlin was sworn in as Israel's 10th president yesterday at a formal ceremony in parliament which saw elder statesman Shimon Peres stepping down.
"In prayer, in awe and humility, on your behalf and at your command, I come to faithfully fulfil my role as 10th president of the state of Israel," he said, a skullcap on his head and his left hand resting on a copy of the Old Testament.
Rivlin, 74, is taking over the presidency at a time of crisis for the Jewish state when it is locked in a bloody showdown with Gaza militants. He will officially begin his term in office on Monday.
A lawyer by profession, Rivlin has won widespread support from across the political spectrum for his determined defence of democracy and civil rights. But his political outlook is diametrically opposed to that of Peres, being a firm opponent of a Palestinian state and a keen backer of the settlements.
He will have a tough act to follow, with Peres's charisma and global standing enabling him to transcend the largely ceremonial position of the presidency and use it to promote a political message of peace.
Shimon Peres is the last of Israel's founding fathers and a hawk-turned-dove whose international aura will be sorely missed by many Israelis.
Now 90, Peres has stood at the forefront of Israeli politics for 65 years, demonstrating resilience in the face of innumerable challenges.
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