Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin has reached an understanding with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that Rivlin will remain Knesset Speaker until July 2014 and run for the largely ceremonial position of president, according to a Monday-morning story by the Yisrael Hayom daily. According to the understanding, Rivlin will step down, whether or not he wins the presidential contest, which is scheduled for June.

Senior Likud officials have tagged Minister Yuli-Yoel Edelstein as the one to replace Rivlin as speaker. The two met Sunday but did not discuss the matter. Edelstein associates said he is not interested in the position as long as Rivlin wants to continue. Likud officials say Edelstein views himself as heading an active ministry.