Vice Premier Shimon Peres needs to decide whether he wants to be president or prime minister. At present, both options appear to be within reach. Former coalition leader MK Avigdor Itzchaky (Kadima) met with Peres, Wednesday, to discuss whether he should be Kadima's candidate to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert,
if the latter resigns.
Peres later met with Olmert to discuss the upcoming presidential elections and told him that he did not see himself as a candidate for prime minister.
At the same time, Peres has been increasing efforts to secure the lead in the race for the presidency, which is set to take place on June 13 or 14. Peres has met and continues to meet Knesset members from various factions, in a bid to gain their support.
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| The next prime minister / Nahum Barnea |
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For 26 years Peres has always been 'Israel's next prime minister' |
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Rivlin met Wednesday morning with Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, in an attempt to ensure the religious party's support, although it appears that the rabbi currently supports Peres.
Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik, who is serving as acting president, may also be a contender for the presidential post. Sources close to Itzik say she intends to wait for Peres to announce his intentions before making a decision.
Her associates said that, formally, she stands behind Peres, but there is a good chance she would run for office if the 83-year-old politician decides to withdraw his bid.
"Dalia knows how to work; she has a good chance of being elected the next president. She is a good choice for the position," a source from her office said.
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