In the wake of increased security tensions, the state is increasing its armored limousine reserve: 13 Audi A8 armored cars have arrived in Israel last month, and in recent days they have been handed over to senior members of the political system and to the heads of the security services.

Yediot Achronot learned that some of the new limousines were transferred to the Prime Minister and his office, as well as to the use of President Reuven Rivlin. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who lives in Nokdim, a yishuv in Gush Etzion, therefore always travels in an armored vehicle, and he will receive a limousine in the next few days. Some of the cars were transferred to the Foreign Ministry for the purpose of transporting VIPs who arrive in Israel, and the rest were handed over to the heads of the security establishment, who have not always been transported in a protected vehicle.

Audi A8 is one of the most prominent luxury cars in Israel and its price starts at 750 thousand shekels. However, the model is protected by fire. Germany has a long list of regulations and improvements that double its weight and cost five times the price. In practice, the price of each car was three and a half million shekels, even after the German manufacturer lowered the price.

The old A8 cars of the prime minister and the president will not be transferred to the scrap but will be diverted to various security missions such as transporting ministers in the territories and in eastern Jerusalem.

The decision to replace the old cars was made by the government car manager, not by the Prime Minister’s Office or the President’s Residence, and the heavy armored cars suffered heavy wear due to the weight of the protection, which places great strain on their mechanical systems, and they have already passed hundreds of thousands of kilometers and their maintenance expenses were high.

In the new limousine protection, improvements have been introduced to respond to new terrorist threats. Audi boasts of the ability of the A8 Security models to provide customers with protection from shooting according to strict European standards. The vehicle also includes a number of special armored vehicles, according to a unique Israeli specification prepared by the Shin Bet, and representatives of the vehicle manager and the Shin Bet accompany the upgrades and installations at the Audi factories in Germany.

Alongside the protection, Audi has not neglected the luxury and the car includes a refrigerator, special leather upholstery and wooden dips.

The person who recently received an armored vehicle is Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, but in his case, this is not one of the new limousines.

The Shin Bet told Yediot in response: “Recently, a number of Audi A8 armored vehicles have been moved to Israel for persons receiving protection.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)