Rivlin slams Netanyahu’s ‘despicable attempt’ to discredit him

The office of President Reuven Rivlin, who is on a state visit to Canada, hits back at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was recorded accusing him of “looking for a pretext” to task rival Benny Gantz with forming the next government.

“This is another attempt to discredit the president regarding the exercise of his legal authority,” the President’s Office says. “Once again, we will make it clear that the president will accept his decision in the language and spirit of the law, as did all previous presidents of Israel. This is another despicable attempt to undermine public trust in the president’s decision after the elections.

“The president will not be tempted by flattery, and will not fear such attacks, which are repeated irresponsibly and motivated by cynical political considerations.”

— Raphael Ahren