In an interview with the JC, the 74-year-old said it is the “destiny” of Israelis and Palestinians to live together side by side, “unfortunately this is not understood by many Jews and Palestinians”.
According to reports, he once described Reform Judaism as “idol worship”.
However a spokesman for Reform Judaism in the UK congratulated Mr Rivlin on Twitter: "We congratulate Reuven Rivlin and trust he will regard all Jews and religious leaders with equal respect and dignity".
Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, said: "Reuven Rivlin has proved that he can act across party lines and reach out to the wider world. One of the new president’s key tasks will be to strengthen Israel’s links with the Jewish diaspora, and we look forward to continuing the close collaboration which the WJC has had with Shimon Peres with President Rivlin."
The presidential race was marred by controversy. Commentators have claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to block Mr Rivlin’s candidacy as he was said to be a rival to Mr Netanyahu within the Likud party.
The president elect will be sworn in on July 24.
