Heavy rains in Jerusalem have heavily damaged the President’s House and forced Shimon Peres to take up lodgings in a hotel before arrangements can be completed to move him and his office to the luxurious David’s Village near the Old City.

It will take approximately four months before he can return to his regular quarters due to massive renovations required to prevent a repetition of flood damage, his office said Monday.

Nearly four inches of rain deluged the capital the past two days and swept into the building, causing damage to furniture and making it impossible for him to remain there.

Two months ago, heavy rains also permeated the building but did not come anywhere near this week’s flooding, which ruined the infrastructure.

The President is to move to David’s Village at the beginning of January and will stay there for approximately four months until repair work can be completed at the President’s House.

Despite the damage and relocation of President Peres, the rains were welcomed, although they were much less heavier in the north.

The precipitation has brought the central and northern regions of the country to their average rates of rain for this time of year, but there is a severe gap in the south. More rain may arrive on the Sabbath.