Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Christian institutions in occupied East Jerusalem to reject the Israeli municipal property tax known as “Arnona,” which he claims threatens the Christian presence in the city. Abbas described the move as a significant violation of the historic and legal status of Jerusalem and a direct attack on religious institutions. He reached out to several international leaders, including Pope Leo XIV and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to highlight Israeli actions against churches. The “Arnona” tax applies to properties not used directly for worship and has led to disputes over its collection from church-owned assets. Church leaders argue that this tax initiative undermines longstanding agreements and threatens their ability to provide social services.
Why It Matters
The issue of the “Arnona” tax reflects ongoing tensions regarding the status of East Jerusalem, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The international community, including the United Nations, generally views East Jerusalem as occupied territory, with resolutions declaring Israeli attempts to alter its character as null. Historically, churches in Jerusalem have been exempt from certain taxes, and any changes to this arrangement could signify a shift in Israel’s approach to religious sites. The implications of enforcing this tax may further strain the delicate balance of religious and cultural coexistence in a city central to multiple faiths.
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