ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D Quiet signal

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 the U.S. Embassy in Israel to move to Jerusalem and restricted State Department spending on diplomatic facilities in Jerusalem. This determination was transmitted to Congress with a required report and published in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 64995

Impact dates

  1. Six-month suspension period expires

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
  • Determination and report transmitted to Congress
  • Publication in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month suspension period runs through approximately June 3, 2010

Long term

  • Potential recurring six-month suspensions if pattern continues
  • Ongoing U.S. policy on Jerusalem embassy location remains unresolved

Risks & tensions

  • Recurrent exercise of waiver authority since 1995 creates ongoing tension with Congress over embassy relocation mandate
  • Jerusalem status remains sensitive issue in Israeli-Palestinian peace process
  • Vague 'national security interests' justification is standard formula but text offers no specific threat assessment
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders