The veteran mayors of three of Israel's largest cities lost out to younger rivals in this week's municipal elections, with one blaming his defeat on "the Obama trend".
In Beer Sheva, Yaakov Turner, 73, mayor for the past 11 years, was roundly defeated by his former protégée and deputy, 36-year-old Rubik Danilovitch, who won 60 per cent of the votes.
Mr Terner said: "The Obama trend, with its spirit of change, swept many young people to voting, but hurt veteran mayors."
Meir Niztan, 76, Rishon Le Zion mayor for the past 25 years, lost out to Dov Zur, 52, after a stormy campaign.