WASHINGTON, D.C. — White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters during a Wednesday afternoon press gaggle to “expect something very soon” on President Donald Trump’s decision whether to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
Spicer was asked whether President Trump will sign a waiver to delay the moving of the U.S. embassy, if he had made a decision yet, and if there was an update on the timing of his decision on moving the embassy. The deadline for signing the waiver is June 1. The waiver relates to a 1995 law that mandates the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem.
“I’d expect something very soon on that,” replied Spicer.
Spicer was pressed on whether the President will the give an explanation, as this was a central campaign promise.
“I think once we have a decision we’ll put it out,” said Spicer, who then mentioned the State Department.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach wrote in mid-May of Trump moving the embassy:
During his campaign, he made a commitment to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. President Trump is being pressured from many sides to renege on that pledge. But he must resist the naysayers and do what he knows in his mind and heart to be the right thing for America and for our foremost ally, Israel. We Jews do not forget … It is an opportunity he must not decline.
Some questioned whether Trump would make an announcement during his visit to Israel just days ago. during his first trip abroad since becoming President of the United States. No announcement came during the trip.
Vice President Mike Pence said in early May at an Israel Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C. that President Trump was still “seriously considering” moving the embassy.
A month ago Trump told the Times of Israel to “Ask me in a month” whether he would move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
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