The United States traditionally took the position that East Jerusalem is an occupied territory and that the status of the city should not be unilaterally changed by the actions of any one party to the conflict. In keeping with this position, the United States has maintained its embassy in Tel Aviv for the past five decades. In 1950, US officials were forbidden from conducting business in Jerusalem. In 1966 the United States refused to send an official delegation to mark the opening of Israel's new parliament building in West Jerusalem, and in 1967 the US boycotted Israel's Independence Day military parade in Jerusalem. These boycotts represent an outstanding US position, particularly that of the Administration on the issue of Jerusalem, they also send signals to Israel asking it to adhere to the United Nations resolutions on Jerusalem.
The US Congress however, through successive administrations, took an increasingly one sided view on the issue of Jerusalem. Congress has periodically introduced 'none-binding' resolutions recognizing the city as the capital of Israel. Members of Congress also continue to introduce legislation that would require the US government to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Simultaneously, members of Congress have introduced the 'Middle East Peace Compliance and PLO Accountability Act of 1995' in addition to the current law the 'Middle East Peace Facilitation Act' to again tighten the conditions for assistance to the Palestinians. These actions are aimed at appeasing Israeli right wing position. The American Congress’s position is unfair, hostile to the Palestinian, Arab and Muslims all over the world and is certain to impede the peace process.
American domestic electoral considerations have always been the overriding factor in the submission of such legislation to the Congress, these legislation effectively go against UN resolutions and international law.
Based on UN resolutions adopted with regard to the occupied Palestinian territories, the overwhelming majority of nations did not recognize Israel's unilateral actions in Jerusalem. Nations of the world maintain that Israeli settlements are illegal. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupation power is prohibited from transferring its population into occupied territories.
No country in the world recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem, nor do they recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Prior to 1967, 16 countries maintained embassies in West Jerusalem, at the moment only Costa Rica and El Salvador have embassies in Jerusalem.
US policy makers do not need reminding that East Jerusalem is an occupied territory and that while the future of Jerusalem is to be determined, the US should not ignore or condone Israeli actions which alter the status of Jerusalem in contradiction to UN resolutions. Members of Congress and Jewish lobbyists who are pressing for legislation to move the US embassy to Jerusalem are undermining the Palestinian-Israeli issue. Furthermore, attempts to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would constitute a major blow to American vital interests in the region. The United States' role as an 'honest broker' in the peace process, if it ever comes back to life, is very important and must be maintained.
