Obama Helicopter Grounded in Israel Due to Sandstorm

President Barack Obama's helicopter was grounded this morning due to a sandstorm with strong winds that forced his entourage to make the journey between Jerusalem to Bethlehem via motorcade through the streets of Jerusalem.

Although the day began with clear skies, a severe wind and sandstorm arrived ahead of schedule, grounding the president's helicopter ride.

"The only way for Israel to endure and thrive as a Jewish and democratic state is through the realisation of an independent and viable Palestine," Obama said in front of a crowd of 2,000 young Israelis on Thursday.

"If we're going to succeed, part of what we're going to have to do is to get out of some of the formulas and habits that have blocked progress for so long," Obama said. "Both sides are going to have to think anew."

The president's transportation woe seems to continue as this helicopter incident comes just two days after the presidential steel-plated limo, known as "The Beast" broke down when a Secret Service official reportedly fueled the car with standard gasoline instead of diesel fuel.