Jerusalem Embassy Act

The Jerusalem Embassy Act was passed in 1995 saying that the USA is pledged to move it's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jersalem. But the POTUS can delay the move for 6 months at a time. For 22 years the POTUS has been delaying enforcement of the law for 6 months at a time.

President Trump's upcoming international visit starting next week includes a visit to Jerusalem only a week before he has to sign another 6 month delay. I would say he almost certainly will announce that he is NOT going to ask for another delay, and plans to move the embassy will begin this year.

Saudi Arabia Riyadh May 19 First foreign trip; President Trump will meet with Muslim leaders.
Israel Jerusalem May 22–23 President Trump is scheduled to visit Israel.
Vatican City May 24 President Trump is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis.
Belgium Brussels May 24–25 President Trump is scheduled to attend the 2017 NATO summit.
Italy Taormina May 26–27 President Trump is scheduled to attend the G7 summit.

Quote: Presidential Determination -- Suspension of Limitations under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

December 1, 2016
Presidential Determination No. 2017-3

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, in order 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.

You are 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.
BARACK OBAMA

Quote: Pacomartin

and plans to move the embassy will begin this year.

What could possibly be in it for the USA? Trump said he was America first, not Israel first.

Quote: Pacomartin

Vatican City May 24 President Trump is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis.

Man, imagine what Francisco I did in a past life to deserve this.

Quote: petroglyph

What could possibly be in it for the USA? Trump said he was America first, not Israel first.

He made a campaign promise to see the embassy moved. But there are strong rumors that he is going to backtrack on this promise before his upcoming visit in less than 2 weeks. On the other hand he will have to sign a delay at least 8 times, so he could opt to sign a delay for the first 6 months only

The embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consulate in Jerusalem are both substantial buildings, but renaming one the embassy and the other the consulate would have massive political implications and possibly terrorist reprisals.

Consulate in Jerusalem


Embassy in Tel Aviv


In October 2010, the US Jerusalem consulate moved to a new building and complex that straddles the 1949 Armistice Agreement line. So relocating the embassy to that position would have the double whammy of being in Jerusalem and crossing the green line.