Groundbreaking Bulletproof Ambulances Launched by Israel Police

In a historic move, Israel Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai inaugurated the first bulletproof ambulances in Israeli Police history at a modest ceremony on Tuesday. The introduction of these ambulances aims to enhance the safety of search and rescue forces, particularly in high-risk areas, following lessons learned from the October 7 massacre by Hamas.

During the massacre, search and rescue forces faced significant challenges accessing battle zones due to the lack of protection, resulting in additional casualties. Commissioner Shabtai emphasized the necessity of these ambulances for special units operating in dangerous regions. “We have only recently finished debriefing the events of October 7th. There were officers evacuated in private vehicles that were exposed to gunfire,” Shabtai stated. “Armored ambulances are especially necessary for special units operating in difficult areas.”

The initiative for these bulletproof ambulances was driven by the nonprofits Israel Friends and Let's Do Something (LDS), which provided the funding and support needed for this critical enhancement. LDS was established shortly after the massacre by a group of five lifelong friends who decided to take action following the death of their friend David Newman at the Nova music festival. In just 24 hours, they mobilized resources and have since donated over 15 million dollars to support soldiers and civilians affected by the massacre.

Israel Friends also played a crucial role in this initiative, having streamlined donations and secured around 500 tons of equipment worth approximately 26 million dollars for the IDF and Israel’s security forces since the onset of the war.

Features of the Armored Ambulances

The new ambulances are equipped with B6 armored protection, featuring ballistic glass windows designed to withstand shots from AK-47s, pistols, and assault rifles. Additionally, the vehicles have steel plate doors that create an armored capsule around them, ensuring the safety of patients and medical personnel.

Previously, armored ambulances were used exclusively by Israel’s National Counter Terrorism Unit (Yamam). Now, the new vehicles will serve other elite units of the Israel Police, including Yamas (Israel Border Police’s undercover counter-terrorism unit), the Gideonim (a specialized undercover counter-terrorism unit), Yasam (special patrol), and various other units. These ambulances will also support the police’s medical facilities, ensuring a broader scope of protection and medical response capabilities.

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