WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJC)—US President Barack Obama has again delayed moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. On Thursday he notified Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of his decision, following a similar one in June.
A law passed by Congress in 1995 recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and orders that the US Embassy be relocated there. However, the law also permits the president to delay the move for six-month periods, based on national security grounds. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush invoked the clause during their administrations.
“Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel and the United States Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem no later than 31 May 1999,” the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act states. In a 2007 resolution, the House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and called “upon the President and all United States officials to abide by its provisions.”
However, US president have voiced the belief that Congressional resolutions attempting to legislate foreign policy infringe upon the Executive’s authority and responsibility to carry out sound and effective US foreign relations.
The majority of UN member states and most international organizations do not accept Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Embassies are generally located in Tel Aviv, but many countries have consulates in Jerusalem. By contrast, the ‘Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel’ passed by the Knesset in 1980 establishes that “Jerusalem complete and united is the capital of Israel.”
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress