Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was spotted this week in one of eight newly acquired armored limousines, marking the completion of a years-long procurement delayed by the pandemic and war.
The Audi A8 Security models, each estimated to cost at least three million shekels ($800,000), have entered operational service after a prolonged acquisition process that was repeatedly postponed since 2018. The upgrade reflects the severe wear on Israel's previous government vehicle fleet, which had been pressed into service far beyond its intended lifespan.
Netanyahu received four of the vehicles for his personal use, while President Isaac Herzog was allocated two for official travel. The remaining two went to the Shin Bet security service for transporting visiting foreign dignitaries under security protocols.
The procurement underscores the hidden costs of sustained conflict. Israel's previous fleet, in service since 2018, had accumulated hundreds of thousands of kilometers and required maintenance as frequently as twice weekly, according to accounts of the vehicles' condition. The exceptional weight of heavy armor placed extreme strain on engines, driving up maintenance expenses substantially beyond normal levels.
