ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Obama suspended for six months the congressionally mandated requirements to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to limit spending on the embassy in Tel Aviv, citing national security interests. The suspension required transmission to Congress with a report and Federal Register publication before taking effect.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 32853

Impact dates

  1. 6-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 accompanied by report per section 7(a)
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Suspension takes effect upon transmission to Congress with report
  • Federal Register publication required

Near term (90d)

  • 6-month suspension period runs from effective date

Long term

  • Potential repeated suspensions (this was one in a series of presidential determinations under the Act)

Risks & tensions

  • Recurring congressional-executive tension over Jerusalem embassy location
  • National security justification used to override statutory mandate
  • Sensitive Middle East diplomacy implications
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders