The White House on Wednesday said reports that it is poised to move the US embassy to Jerusalem were "premature," ahead of a decision deadline. The White House urged caution after the Israeli press suggested a decision would come as soon as Sunday. "This is a premature report. We have nothing to announce," said press secretary Sarah Sanders. Trump has so far decided not to fulfill his campaign pledge to shift the embassy from Tel Aviv. But the US president faces a December 4 deadline to publicly restate US policy. The issue is deeply controversial. Shifting the building could be seen as a de facto recognition of Israels claim over the city. Trump shied away from the move in June in order to "maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians," the White House said at the time. Trumps advisors have been divided about the wisdom of a sharp shift away from decades-old policy. US Vice President Mike Pence, who is due to visit Israel next month, said this week that Trump was”actively considering” moving the US embassy. The decision would delight many Israelis, but dismay Palestinians and raise concerns among Israels Arab neighbors.