The senator who helped pave the way for US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, who passed away on Wednesday, was a key figure in the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act. Working alongside Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, Kyl helped shape and promote the bipartisan legislation, which passed 93-5, declaring Jerusalem as Israel's capital and mandating the relocation of the U.S. Embassy there. Although successive presidents delayed full implementation, Kyl's efforts laid the groundwork for President Donald Trump's 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the 2018 embassy move. The article emphasizes that Kyl viewed this not as a technical decision, but as a moral and political declaration affirming Israel's right to determine its capital. Throughout his Senate career, Kyl was a strong advocate for Israel, translating his commitment into significant diplomatic and legislative action.