Israel to Tax Armenian, Greek, and Other Christian Churches

Leaders of major Christian churches have accused Israeli authorities of a "systematic assault" on the presence of Christians in the country and have initiated tax proceedings against them. A statement was issued by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Greek Orthodox Church.

According to the statement, this move disrupts the long-standing status quo and reflects the growing intolerance towards the presence of Christians in the country. Israeli officials consider the disagreement to be a regular financial issue. Christian churches are significant landowners and state that, according to long-held tradition, they do not pay property tax.

They argue that their resources go towards services that benefit the state, such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. In recent months, the municipal governments of Tel Aviv, Ramla, Nazareth, and Jerusalem have either sent warning letters or begun legal actions regarding alleged tax obligations.