Reuven Rivlin

Reuven " Rubi " Rivlin (Hebrew ראובן ריבלין ) ( born September 9, 1939 in Jerusalem, British Mandate of Palestine ) is an Israeli lawyer and politician of the Likud. In 2009 he was elected Speaker of the Knesset; 2003-2006 he had already occupied this post. He intends to run for the office of the Israeli President.

Rivlin studied law at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and was first elected in 1988 in the Knesset. From 1988 to 1993 he was Chairman of the Likud. He lost his parliamentary seat in 1992, but four years later was able to move back into the Knesset. Ariel Sharon appointed him as Minister of Communications. In 2003 he moved to the office of President of Parliament. During his tenure, Rivlin was accused that he lacked the necessary neutrality. He distinguished himself as a sharp critic of Sharon's plan for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

2007 Rivlin ran as candidate of the Likud's presidential election. However, he withdrew his application after the first round of voting when it became clear that Shimon Peres would win a majority of the Kadima.

He is married and has four children.