For what some in Israel hope may be the last time, the US president has taken a pass on enacting a Congressional order to move the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In the latest sign Obama is inclined to maintain the status quo, Obama on Thursday signed a six-month waiver to a law requiring the U.S. Embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which Israel considers its capital.

Presidents have waived the law since it was enacted in 1995. But Trump has insisted he would finally follow through on moving the embassy — a move that would infuriate Palestinians, who claim Jerusalem’s eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Presidents have waived the law since it was enacted in 1995. But Trump has insisted he would finally follow through on moving the embassy — a move that would infuriate Palestinians, who claim Jerusalem’s eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Netanyahu has said little about Trump’s victory beyond congratulating him — possibly in an attempt to avoid antagonizing Obama while he is still in office. He’s ordered his Cabinet not to comment on the election and told his ministers not to speak to Trump’s transition team.

For years, the U.S. has officially opposed any attempts by Palestinians to seek recognition for statehood or allow multi-country groups like the U.N. to impose solutions.

(AP)