Young Israelis play leading role in new protests
The wave of colorful and combative demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks have been dominated by young Israelis.
Israel has a long tradition of political protests that draw huge crowds. In recent years, anti-Netanyahu rallies have mostly been the domain of Israel’s old guardians of liberal values, who accuse the prime minister of using authoritarian tactics to chip away at the country's democratic ideals.
But the unprecedented economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, and a crisis of confidence in leadership, has spurred a younger generation of Israelis wary of their future to take on a more prominent role. Many of them have little or no history of political involvement.
With flags, face masks, drums, placards and an assortment of props, thousands have been taking to the streets to demand change in a variety of unique ways.
Here is a gallery of images from AP photographer Oded Balilty:
Shelly Lieber, 25
Nir Barak, 35
Aharon Lubitsch, 32
Shachar Oren, 25
Maayan Segal, 37
Avishag Gaya, 24
Zohar Yaar, 23
Michal Esther Katzir, 35
Kalanit Sharon, 31
Itamar, left, Tal and their child
Dan Lantzet, 32
Tel Bluver, 32
Daniel Shama, 25
Dekel Gilag, 25
Eitan Shaag, 25
Text from AP News story, AP PHOTOS: Young Israelis play leading role in new protests.
Photos by Oded Balilty
