Bush Suspends Move of U.S. Embassy in Israel

President cites "national security interests" in his decision

President Bush suspended the move of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for an additional six months December 14. The U.S. Congress adopted legislation in 1995 calling for the relocation of the embassy to the city Israel claims as its capital, but former President Clinton and President Bush have delayed implementation of the legislation for 10 years citing "national security interests."

Many in Washington believe that the move would be ill-received by Palestinians, who also see Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, and that it would therefore undermine U.S. efforts to secure a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Following is the text of President Bush's memorandum on the subject:

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2005
Presidential Determination

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45) (the "Act"), I hereby determine that it is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States to suspend for a period of 6 months the limitations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of the Act. My Administration remains committed to beginning the process of moving our Embassy to Jerusalem.

You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress, accompanied by a report in accordance with section 7(a) of the Act, and to publish the determination in the Federal Register.

This suspension shall take effect after transmission of this determination and report to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Source: U.S. Department of State

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