John Kyl, Key US Senate Supporter of Jerusalem Embassy Law, Dies at 84

Former Republican Senator John Kyl, a significant figure in US-Israel relations and a staunch supporter of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, has died at the age of 84. Kyl passed away due to complications from a neurological disease, his family announced. He served nearly three decades in the US Congress, reaching the position of Republican whip in the Senate, before retiring in December after being diagnosed with dementia.

Kyl is particularly remembered in Israel for his instrumental role, alongside Senator Bob Dole, in sponsoring the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act. This landmark legislation declared Jerusalem as Israel's capital and mandated the relocation of the US embassy there. Although presidents delayed its implementation for over two decades, the act laid the legal groundwork for President Donald Trump's eventual recognition of Jerusalem in 2017 and the embassy's opening in 2018.

Throughout his career, Kyl was recognized as a dedicated legislator and a behind-the-scenes operator. He also championed joint security projects, especially missile defense systems, earning praise from pro-Israel organizations like AIPAC. Kyl's legislative career began in the House of Representatives in 1987, and he was elected to the Senate in 1994, serving until 2013. He briefly returned to the Senate in 2018 to fill the vacancy left by the late John McCain until the end of that year.

His passing prompted bipartisan tributes in the US. Arizona's Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs eulogized him as a dedicated statesman, while Republican leaders highlighted his integrity, strategic contributions to US security, and commitment to alliances, notably with Israel. Kyl, originally from Nebraska, was the son of former Congressman John Henry Kyl. He is survived by his wife, Cryll, and two children.