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Obama's 'Beast' breaks down

JERUSALEM, Israel – US President Barack Obama’s visit to Israel started off rather shaky when an official limousine had broken down.

According to a report, the incorrect fuel was used in the limo. "The Beast", as it’s more affectionately known as, was allegedly filled up with unleaded petrol instead of diesel.

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Of course, the tight-lipped Secret Service is now denying the reports and says the correct fuel was in fact used.

Secret Service spokesperson Ed Donovan told CNN news: "The appropriate fuel was put in the car."

Donovan told CNN the vehicle actually doesn't have a diesel engine and runs on unleaded fuel and that diagnostics are still ongoing.

The special-built Cadillac limo was built on a diesel-driven Chevrolet Kodiak chassis, hence the apparent mistake. The vehicle, powered by a 6.5 diesel weighs about eight tonnes and is one of several identical limos used to transport Obama. It has a top speed of 100km/h.

The car is believed to have special shocks to absorb impacts, seal shut during gas explosions, loads of armour including  bulletproof glass, doors and windows.

FUEL MIX-UP

Israeli officials insist the vehicle broke down due to the wrong fuel being used. According to officials the limo failed to start and had to be towed at 10am In Jerusalem.

The tow truck company owner who picked up the limo said the US consulate called him to tow the vehicle in Jerusalem because it wouldn't start according to CNN.

Obama is visiting the Middle East for press conferences with Benjamin Netanyahu' and to visit with Jordan's King Abdullah in that nation.

Unprecedented road closures brought much of Jerusalem to a standstill before the start of Passover, the country's busiest shopping period of the year.

Jerusalem resident Chana Lyss said: “He is making my life a living hell.”

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