Obama delays embassy move to Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has delayed moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for the second time since taking office, Israeli media said.

Obama reportedly cited national security concerns as the reason for the delay, Israel Today Web site said Friday. The White House failed to approve the move fearing it would upset the Palestinians and the Arab world, the site said.

The Jerusalem Embassy Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1995, recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and says the embassy should be moved there no later than May 31, 1999, the Arutz Sheva Web site said.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, also delayed the embassy's transfer while in office, invoking a delay order every six months, the site said.

Obama informed U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of his decision Thursday, The New York Times said.

During a visit to the United States in November, members of the U.S. House of Representatives presented Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat with initiatives to recognize Jerusalem as the "undivided" capital of Israel and called to move the U.S. Embassy there, The Jerusalem Post said.