It is believed the limousine had left the airport some two hours previously and had broken down on its way to Jerusalem where Mr Obama was due later.

BBC: Obama limo breaks down in Israel after 'fuel mix-up'

We ate them in the shade of a tall chestnut in the town square and drank cold draft beers, then pedaled on to Souillac and the old abbey there, built by returned Crusaders in the style of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which they had seen on their way to Jerusalem.

FORBES: How foie gras was my valley

Mr Gingrich, by contrast, went out of his way to defend the East Jerusalem project, even though it is responsible for the recent stalling of the peace process.

ECONOMIST: Israel��s supporters