Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Trump suspended for six months the spending and timing restrictions in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, citing national security interests. The suspension takes effect after the Secretary of State transmits the determination and accompanying report to Congress.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 61127

Impact dates

Jun 4, 2018
6-month suspension period expires

Key directives

Suspend limitations in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of Jerusalem Embassy Act for 6 months
Secretary of State to transmit determination to Congress with report per section 7(a)
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Suspension takes effect upon transmission to Congress
Secretary of State directed to transmit determination and report

Near term (90d)

6-month suspension period runs from effective date

Long term

Potential permanent embassy relocation if suspension not renewed or Act fully implemented

Risks & tensions

Recurrent suspension pattern since 1995 creates expectation of continued delay
Jerusalem status remains highly sensitive in Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Congressional reporting requirement suggests ongoing executive-legislative tension over Act