Netanyahu Spotted in New Armored Limousine
Eight armored Audi A8 Security limousines have arrived in Israel for transporting high-ranking officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was already photographed in the new vehicle on August 12 before a visit to the Malha Mall in Jerusalem. Two cars were handed over to the President's Office, two to the Shin Bet. Each car costs at least 3 million shekels, and according to Calcalist, the limousines for the prime minister and president cost 4,907,156 shekels, making them the most expensive service vehicles in Israel's history.
Eight armored Audi A8 Security limousines have arrived in Israel for transporting high-ranking officials. This was reported on Thursday, August 13. The vehicles will be used for trips by the prime minister, the president, and for transporting visiting heads of state and other high-ranking foreign dignitaries subject to serious security warnings. The cars are already in operation. On August 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was photographed in the new limousine before a visit to the Malha Mall in Jerusalem. Two Audi A8 Security cars were placed at the disposal of the office of President Isaac Herzog, and two more were handed over to the General Security Service (Shin Bet) to ensure transportation for foreign guests. The minimum cost of each car is 3 million shekels. As reported in June by the economic publication Calcalist, the cost of the limousines for the prime minister and president is 4,907,156 shekels, making them the most expensive service vehicles in Israel's history. According to current regulations, service vehicles of the country's top officials are subject to replacement every four years. The limousines previously used by Netanyahu and Herzog had been in service much longer—since 2018—and were heavily worn, primarily due to their unusually large mass. According to Calcalist, the prime minister's limousine had a mileage of over 500,000 km. Maintenance costs for the worn-out vehicles also increased. The issue of purchasing new vehicles was first raised in 2020, but for many reasons, its resolution was greatly delayed. The Audi A8 Security is considered the flagship executive car of the German manufacturer. Unlike the standard A8 version, the armored modification is equipped with protection against firearms, special bulletproof glass, communication systems, and reinforced braking and steering systems. The car's weight exceeds 4 tons, while the standard version weighs about 3 tons. Vehicles intended for Israel undergo additional modernization. After assembly at the Audi factory, the cars are sent to Europe, where they receive additional armor protection according to a classified specification developed in accordance with the requirements of Israeli security services. The updated model is equipped with protection against new terrorist threats. At the same time, it is a very comfortable car, with an interior trimmed in leather and other expensive materials.