ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Obama suspended for six months the limitations in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 that would have required the U.S. embassy in Israel to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The suspension was justified on national security grounds, a routine exercise of authority used by every president since 1995.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 35535

Impact dates

  1. Six-month suspension period expires

  2. Transmission of determination and report to Congress

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 determination in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month suspension period runs through December 2013

Long term

  • Continues 18-year pattern of serial suspensions preventing embassy relocation
  • Maintains status quo on Jerusalem embassy location pending future presidential determinations

Risks & tensions

  • Serial suspensions since 1995 create tension with congressional intent to relocate embassy
  • National security justification is formulaic but legally required by statute
  • Maintains sensitive diplomatic status quo regarding Jerusalem's political status
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders