DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Bush suspended for six months the statutory requirements of the Jerusalem Embassy Act that would have forced the U.S. embassy in Israel to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and cut State Department funding if not moved. This was the latest in a series of recurring six-month suspensions by successive administrations to avoid moving the embassy while citing national security interests.

Impact dates

  1. Six-month suspension period expires

Key directives

  • Suspend limitations in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of Jerusalem Embassy Act for 6 months
  • Transmit determination to Congress with report under section 7(a)
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Suspension takes effect upon transmission to Congress
  • Secretary of State directed to transmit determination and report to Congress
  • Secretary of State directed to publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month suspension period runs through approximately December 2003

Long term

  • Continues pattern of recurring suspensions since 1995
  • Maintains status quo on embassy location pending future policy change

Risks & tensions

  • Recurring suspension pattern since 1995 creates tension with pro-Israel constituencies wanting embassy move
  • Maintains delicate diplomatic balance in Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • Congressional mandate vs executive national security discretion
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders