17:24, 07-Dec-2017
Jerusalem Embassy Act: Presidents have opted against US embassy move since act passed in 1995
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Although President Trump recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital has led to widespread international criticism, there is legal basis in the US for the decision.
The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act was passed during the time of President Bill Clinton. It officially accepted Jerusalem as Israel's capital and pledged to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the historic city by the end of 1999.
Clinton was against the act because it will, quote, "hinder the peace process in Middle East". After the bill automatically became law in October 1995, Clinton resorted to presidential waiver to keep peace talks in the region. The waiver allows the US president to delay the move for six months if, quote, "such suspension is necessary to protect national security interests".
It was used repeatedly by Clinton as well as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, to keep the move from happening. Trump signed the same waiver in June, until this week's change of heart.