Heads of churches say Israeli government is demanding they pay property tax, upsetting status quo

The heads of major Christian denominations in Israel say that local governments across the country are demanding they pay property tax, violating a longstanding arrangement in a manner they say reflects growing intolerance for Christians in the Holy Land. The church leaders penned a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week saying that the actions taken by four Israeli municipalities amount to a concerted attack on Christianity. They said the municipalities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, have issued warning letters demanding payment of tax debt and initiating legal proceedings against them.