Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv" reports that the Ministry of Finance rejected a request by staffers of Minister of Defense Ehud Barak to upgrade his official car to an Audi A8 - the most luxurious model in government service - at a cost of NIS 2 million. The request was made at the height of the social protest that is demanding a change in national priorities.
Barak currently uses an Audi A6, which costs NIS 400,000, which is given to ministers and Supreme Court judges. But Barak, who served as prime minister in 1999-2001, asked the Government Vehicles Administration if he is legally eligible for the Audi 8, which is only given to former prime ministers and presidents.
A Ministry of Finance official said in response, "No official request was made to the ministry on this matter."
The Ministry of Defense said, "Minister Barak did not ask for an upgrade of his car. This is a lie. The Ministry of Defense Motor Vehicles Department and security personnel from the Israel Security Agency are jointly responsible for the minister's car, on the basis of security needs. The minister is sent a different car each time in a decision in which he plays no part, and which is driven solely by security considerations."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 25, 2011
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