ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitation Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Clinton suspended for six months a statutory limitation that would have required the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be moved to Jerusalem, citing national security interests under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. The Secretary of State was directed to transmit this determination and an accompanying report to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 33739

Impact dates

  1. 6-month suspension period expires

Key directives

  • Suspend section 3(b) limitation 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
  • Publication in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month suspension period runs from June 17, 1999

Long term

  • Continued precedent for presidential suspension of Jerusalem embassy relocation
  • Potential recurrence of same decision at end of suspension period

Risks & tensions

  • Balances statutory mandate against diplomatic/national security concerns
  • Recurring tension between Congress and executive branch over Jerusalem embassy location
  • Predictable cycle of 6-month suspensions became established pattern
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitation Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders