By Sue Surkes
JERUSALEM (Times of Israel) — The Greek Orthodox Church has broken its decades-long practice of leasing land to Israelis, and has now sold it, because it can no longer withstand massive pressure from Israeli authorities to hand over its real estate, church insiders claim.
The issue hit the headlines recently with revelations of sales by the church to private investors in Jerusalem, Caesarea on the coast, and Jaffa adjacent to Tel Aviv.
On Monday, the most senior figures involved in public land management in Israel are set to meet to discuss how to deal with these sales.
In parallel, lawmaker Rachel Azaria (Kulanu) is trying to advance legislation that will transfer tracts of these lands to the state in return for compensation to their private owners.
The Greek Orthodox Church is the second biggest landowner in Israel.