The deadline for candidates to officially register for the upcoming presidential race is less than a week away. At present the candidates are Reuven Rivlin, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Meir Sheetrit. Other possible candidates include Dalia Itzik, Silvan Shalom, Prof. Dan Shectman, Dalia Dorner and David Levy.

Most believe that with the current lineup Rivlin will become Israel’s 10th president. However, others are likely to enter the race and this may change the scenario. If Minister Silvan Shalom enters the race he is likely to receive support from much of Likud. Yisrael Beitenu leader Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman already announced he will back Shalom’s candidacy. However, Shalom has indicated to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in a number of recent meetings that he must first announce publically that he will support his presidential candidacy. The prime minister appears unwilling to do so. This may prevent Shalom from entering the race.

While Binyamin Ben-Eliezer is the veteran MK in the current Knesset and despite retiring from the IDF as a senior officer and having served as defense minister, he is less popular than Rivlin. In addition he has health issues. He recently announced that reports he will undergo a kidney transplant are true. Adding to his woes was recent news reports which portrayed him as being less than credible.

Former Knesset speaker Dalia Itzik is also likely to enter the race, and many feel she has a realistic chance of taking the presidential race.

This leaves David Levy, who is viewed as a very realistic candidate. Speaking to Kol Berama Radio Shas leader Aryeh Deri explained that if Levy agrees to run, he will receive the backing of Shas. Deri explained “Levy serves as a personal example for many. He was an immigrant and he worked in construction, literally building the country with his 10 fingers”. Deri stated that as a Sephardi Jew Levy has truly shown anything is possible, rising to the position of foreign minister. Deri also feels that Levy’s insistence on remaining in Beit Shean and continuing his modest lifestyle is an example for all, and he feels that Levy is truly a suitable candidate. Many analysts feel if Levy enters the race he will be backed by the prime minister and is likely to emerge the winner.

It is clear to all that the prime minister will do just about anything to prevent Reuven Rivlin from becoming the president. Nevertheless, Rivlin is pleased that Mr. Netanyahu has not publically endorsed him, for doing so would most likely cost him the chareidi vote. The chareidim, Ashkenazim and Sephardim have been doing their most to make life miserable for the prime minister from their seats in the opposition and they are more likely to support Rivlin if the prime minister objects to his candidacy. Since being shunned by the current administration the chareidi lawmakers have tried not to miss an opportunity to defy the wishes of the prime minister and the upcoming presidential election presents another opportunity.

Regarding Prof. Shectman retired Supreme Court President Dorner; most feel neither has a real chance. It is not likely either would event succeed in obtaining the required ten signatures from MKs to register their candidacy.

The election is set for 12 Sivan 5774 at which time the MKs will determine who serves as Israel’s president for the next seven years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)