By Nebi Qena
JERUSALEM (AP) — Jerusalem’s mayor on Tuesday, February 27, suspended a plan to impose taxes on properties owned by Christian churches, backing away from a move that had enraged religious leaders and led to the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said a professional team was being established to negotiate with church officials to “formulate a solution.”
“As a result, the Jerusalem Municipality is suspending the collection actions it has taken in recent weeks,” it said.
There was no immediate reaction from church leaders, and it was unclear whether the Church of the Holy Sepulchre would reopen.