Why does Israel need a president?

[ChabadKahanist]

It is a gross waste of taxpayer's hard earned money & can save a few million shekels a years which can go to other places.
They can combine the offices president & prime minister into one.
Any thoughts on this?

[Zelhar]

I think the chairman of the Knesset, which is already by definition the substitute for the president, can take his place completely. The president's only real  governmental power is that he chooses the mk that should form the new government but even that is a redundant power as the law instructs the president to choose the candidate who has the most support  by recommendation.

[Israel Chai]

Here's there to entertain foreign nationals. Better to have diplomats.