Israel names candidate for next state prosecutor

A search panel appointed by the Israeli Justice Minister announced on Tuesday that Deputy Attorney General Shai Nitzan was selected as a candidate for the next state prosecutor, according to a statement released by the ministry. Nitzan, 54, was nominated alone with three other candidates. He told the Ynet news website that it is a "great honor" to be selected for the post. The Israeli cabinet will vote on Nitzan's nomination on Sunday' s cabinet meeting. Nitzan has been known to battle extreme right-wing settlers in court on different criminal cases, therefore, his nomination has not been well-received by those circles. According to the Walla! news website, transport deputy minister Tzipi Hotoveli (Likud) called upon the government ministers not to approve Nitzan's appointment. MK Orit Struk (Jewish Home) said Nitzan is "hostile" to the settlers. On the other hand, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said on Tuesday that she is glad Nitzan was elected and that she was "impressed from his values and common sense," according to a statement Livni released. She also commended what she dubbed as "Nitzan's stern stand against those who violate the law."