Newly-appointed opposition leader Shelly Yacimovich has declined to accept an armored vehicle, in this case the Audi A6 she is entitled to as leader of the Knesset opposition. Officials in Knesset report the vehicle carries a price tag of 1.5 million NIS. She told Knesset security officials that she will continue using her Mazda sedan, the same vehicle used by her colleagues, other MKs.  She explained that she feels that she will represent the opposition just fine without the high-end vehicle.

On her Facebook page, which has over 20,000 followers, Yacimovich writes, “the opposition leader is entitled to an armored Audi A6 that costs about 1.5 million NIS… You can’t imagine how ridiculous this vehicle is in my eyes, that such a vehicle should be placed at my disposal… I refused to accept it and I remain with my Mazda. Shavua Tov!”

Despite her modest intentions the opposition leader will be assigned ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) bodyguards as required, and sentry posts will be set up outside her home and other measures will be taken in line with the decision of security experts. It is unclear if the Shin Bet will compel her to travel in an armored vehicle or comply with her request to continue in her Mazda.

The current government enjoys a coalition of 94, the largest in the history of the Knesset. This leaves Yacimovich with an opposition of 26.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)