Israel's parliament has chosen Reuven Rivlin, a veteran nationalist politician and supporter of the Jewish settlement movement, as the country's next president, putting a man opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state into the ceremonial but influential post.

After his selection in a vote on Tuesday, Rivlin, a stalwart in the governing Likud Party, faces the difficult task of succeeding Shimon Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

While the presidency is largely ceremonial, Rivlin's political views could be a liability when he represents the country overseas. His opposition to Palestinian independence puts him at odds with the international community and Israel's own prime minister.

Rivlin has been a longtime supporter of Jewish settlements in occupied lands claimed by the Palestinians. While rejecting Palestinian independence, he has proposed a special union with the Palestinians in which Jews and Arabs would hold common citizenship but vote for separate parliaments.

Although Rivlin will play no role in Israeli foreign policy, Abdullah Abdullah, a senior Palestinian official, said the election of a man with his views sent a bad message.

"I don't see how he will contribute anything to peacemaking in the region. He is opposed to the two-state solution," he said.

While most political power is held by the prime minister, the president plays several key roles in Israel, with the power to pardon prisoners and authority to choose the prime minister after national elections.

The president is meant to serve as a unifying figure and moral compass for the country, and Rivlin has said that in contrast to Peres, he would focus on domestic affairs if selected to the post.

Speaking at a Knesset ceremony to celebrate his election, Rivlin said his new position "commits me to remove the robe of politics", an indication that he may subdue his political beliefs as president.

Tuesday's vote capped a nasty presidential campaign that saw mudslinging, political intrigue and scandals that forced two hopefuls to pull out of the running.

Rivlin dismissed speculation that he might be upset at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a Likud rival who tried to block his candidacy, saying he was "not angry at anyone."

In a bid to lay to rest the rivalry, Netanyahu congratulated Rivlin and said he would work with him.

Rivlin will have big shoes to fill, after Peres, 90, steps down. Peres, whose political career stretches back decades and who has been an outspoken proponent of peace with the Palestinians, brought the office international renown.

Rivlin, 74, currently a lawmaker for the right-wing Likud, has previously served as speaker of parliament and as a Cabinet minister. He is a vegetarian and is married with four children.

(China Daily 06/12/2014 page12)