The Palestinian Arab minority in Israel today is highly politicized. This was not always the case. It has undergone a gradual process of politicization over time, which has reached its zenith in recent years. As the previous chapter demonstrated, over the last six decades there has been a clear trend of greater political activism and self-assertion among Palestinian citizens of Israel. In stark contrast to their political quiescence during Israel's early years (1948–1967), members of the Palestinian minority (especially its younger members) have become increasingly mobilized and vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction with their “second-class” status within Israel. During the last four decades or so, they have staged countless protests, rallies, strikes, and demonstrations. They have cast off the co-opted, acquiescent, traditional leadership that once represented them in favor of younger, bolder leaders who are willing to openly challenge the Israeli-Jewish establishment.