Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) follows outgoing President Shimon Peres (second right)
Israeli lawmakers will elect a successor to outgoing President Shimon Peres on June 10, parliamentary speaker Yuli Edelstein told reporters on Monday.
Edelstein's announcement marks the official start of the race for the position, which has been held by Peres since 2007.
Candidates must receive the backing of at least 10 other MPs, and formally present their requests in writing to the speaker on May 27, Edelstein said.
In Israel, the post of president is largely ceremonial and executive power rests with the prime minister.
Peres will step down at the end of July, just before his 91st birthday, following a political career spanning nearly seven decades.
Edelstein's announcement comes after months of vigorous unofficial lobbying by would-be candidates, among them Energy Minister Silvan Shalom who in March was questioned by police over allegations of sexual assault dating back 15 years.
Earlier this month, the attorney general called off the inquiry, citing the statute of limitations.
Shalom, a member of the ruling rightwing Likud party, has yet to announce whether he will still run for the post.
Edelstein's announcement marks the official start of the race for the position, which has been held by Peres since 2007.
Candidates must receive the backing of at least 10 other MPs, and formally present their requests in writing to the speaker on May 27, Edelstein said.
In Israel, the post of president is largely ceremonial and executive power rests with the prime minister.
Peres will step down at the end of July, just before his 91st birthday, following a political career spanning nearly seven decades.
Edelstein's announcement comes after months of vigorous unofficial lobbying by would-be candidates, among them Energy Minister Silvan Shalom who in March was questioned by police over allegations of sexual assault dating back 15 years.
Earlier this month, the attorney general called off the inquiry, citing the statute of limitations.
Shalom, a member of the ruling rightwing Likud party, has yet to announce whether he will still run for the post.
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