Isaac Herzog Elected Israel's 11th President

From 2003 to 2018, Herzog served as a member of the Knesset and held several ministerial positions during that period, including the post of Welfare and Social Services Minister.

Isaac Herzog has been elected as Israel's 11th President, the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced. 

The 60-year-old Herzog won 87 out of 120 votes, comfortably passing the required 61 votes from Knesset members. He will replace the current President, Reuven Rivlin, after 10 July. 

Herzog's major rival was Miriam Peretz, a teacher and activist with little experience in politics.

Presidential candidate Isaac Herzog shakes hands with Yariv Levin, Speaker of the Knesset, during a special session of the Knesset whereby Israeli lawmakers elect a new president, at the plenum in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem June 2, 2021.

© REUTERS / RONEN ZVULUN

Rivlin has served as Israel's president for seven years. The position is largely symbolic in Israel, with all major decisions concerning domestic and foreign policy made by the prime minister. 

Wednesday's presidential vote came following tense negotiations between Israeli politicians from across the 120-member Knesset to form a new administration to end Netanyahu's 12 years in office.