Trump is about to show his hand on a big Israel campaign promise

pulse

May 31, 2017 4:36 PM

In accordance with a 1995 law passed by Congress, the president is required to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake during then visit to the Israel museum in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

President Donald Trump has a decision to make by Thursday, which could reveal his thoughts on a campaign promise to move the US embassy in Israel.

In accordance with a 1995 law passed by Congress, the president is required to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

However, all of Trump's predecessors impacted by this law have signed six-month waivers to delay the move, the last of which is set to expire June 1.

Asked Tuesday if Trump had made a decision to sign a waiver to delay the move, press secretary Sean Spicer said simply, "No."

"Once we have a decision we'll let you know," he added.

Trump promised during the campaign to move the embassy to Jerusalem if elected president. This rhetoric has tempered since he took office, though, and Trump did not give Israelis a public endorsement of the move during his recent trip overseas.

Moving the embassy would likely indicate a change in US policy toward recognizing Israel's claim to a united Jerusalem. Current US policy is that the city's status should be determined by Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

If Trump chooses to sign the waiver this week, he could still move the embassy after six months, or issue an executive order overriding the waiver before it expires.

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