Young Israelis play leading role in new protests

IN PICTURES: Netanyahu's recent decisions have spurred the younger generation to take action over their future and protest the leadership's conduct during the coronavirus crisis, which has all but diminished the public trust in Israel's leaders

Associated Press|

The wave of colorful and combative demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks have been dominated by young Israelis.
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Protesters wearing face masks amid concerns over the country's coronavirus outbreak, hold signs during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv
(Photo: Oded Balilty, AP)
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.
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Protesters hold the Israeli national flag during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv 
(Photo: Oded Balilty, AP)
But the unprecedented economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, and a crisis of confidence in the state's leadership, have spurred a younger generation of Israelis wary of their future to take on a more prominent role in the protests. 
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Israeli police officer puts his knee on a demonstrator during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 
(Photo: AP)
Many of them have little or no history of political involvement.
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Nimrod Gross pummeled by water cannons during protest in Jerusalem 
(Photo: AP)
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.
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Israeli police scuffle with demonstrators during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 
(Photo: AP)