Reuven Rivlin

Rivlin was elected Speaker of the Knesset, serving until 2013. He used the position to defend parliamentary democracy and free speech, often clashing with coalition leaders.

Rivlin was elected as the tenth President of Israel by the Knesset. He took office in July 2014, succeeding Shimon Peres, and served as a largely ceremonial head of state.

Rivlin publicly criticized the Nation-State Law, which defined Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, arguing it could harm democratic values and relations with minorities.

During Israel's prolonged political crisis with multiple elections, Rivlin repeatedly urged compromise and warned against threats to democratic institutions. He played a key role in mediating coalition talks.