Plan to tax Christian churches suspended

Jerusalem’s mayor has suspended a plan to impose taxes on properties owned by Christian churches.

Nir Barkat has backed away from a move that had enraged religious leaders and led to the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said a team is being established to negotiate with church officials to “formulate a solution”.

It added: “As a result, the Jerusalem Municipality is suspending the collection actions it has taken.”

There was no immediate reaction from church leaders, and it is unclear whether the Church of the Holy Sepulchre will reopen.

The church was closed on Sunday by leaders of Christian denominations in protest over an order by Mr Barkat to begin taxing their properties.