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Israel

Voting underway for new Israeli President to replace Shimon Peres

June 10, 2014 10:19
Reuven Rivlin, the main frontrunner for President and Mr Netanyahu's bitter rival in the Likud party (Photo: Itzike)

By

Daniel Easterman,

Daniel Easterman

1 min read

Knesset members are voting in a secret ballot today to decide who will be the 10th president of Israel after a controversial campaign mired in scandal and political intrigue.

One of the main frontrunners, veteran Labour politician Binyamin Ben Eliezer, was forced to pull out of the race after allegations of financial misconduct.

Mr Ben Eliezer denies the accusations, calling the situation a "targeted hit". Many candidates have complained that their political opponents have employed private investigators to find negative material on their private lives.

Energy Minister Silvan Shalom was also forced to withdraw after he was accused of sexual assault. A criminal investigation resulted in no charges being made against Mr Shalom.