The Israeli parliament has elected veteran Likud lawmaker Reuven Rivlin as the country's next president, according to BBC News.

Rivlin, a former parliamentary speaker and Cabinet minister, defeated long-time legislator Meir Sheetrit, by 63 to 53 in a secret ballot.

He will succeed Shimon Peres, 90, who is widely held with deep affection.

The Israeli president occupies a largely ceremonial position and has no formal role in peace talks with the Palestinians.