Bush Delays Move of U.S. Embassy in Israel to J'lem, Citing 'National Security'

President Bush has deferred by six months the process of moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the White House said. In a memo for Secretary Rice, dated Friday, Bush said the decision was "necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States."

"My administration remains committed to beginning the process of moving our Embassy to Jerusalem," said Bush, who had pledged during the 2000 campaign to support relocation.

Like former President Bill Clinton, Bush has always used the six-month waiver power provided under the 1995 law that calls for the move to postpone it.