ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Obama suspended for six months the statutory limitations in the Jerusalem Embassy Act that would have required moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and withholding funds for the State Department's acquisition and maintenance of overseas buildings, citing national security interests. This continuation of a long-standing executive practice since 1995 delays the embassy relocation and preserves diplomatic flexibility.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 27903

Impact dates

  1. Suspension period expires (6 months from signing)

Key directives

  • Suspend limitations under 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 5, 2009

Long term

  • Continues pattern of serial suspensions since 1995; no permanent resolution of embassy status

Risks & tensions

  • Maintains status quo that defies congressional statute, creating executive-legislative tension
  • Perpetuates diplomatic ambiguity on Jerusalem status sensitive to Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations
  • Serial suspensions since 1995 may erode congressional intent
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders