Israeli Investors Block Greek Patriarchate Land Sale in Jerusalem to Foreign Company

In 1999, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate signed a land combination deal with Israeli investors for a prime 5-dunam plot on Emil Botta Street in Jerusalem, near the King David Hotel and the French Embassy. The agreement entitled the investors to proceeds from about one dunam, estimated to yield around 10 residential apartments. However, the initial deal with Israeli developer Avital Properties did not materialize, and a subsequent similar agreement with another Israeli developer, Nof Tzmarot, also failed to advance.

After more than 25 years of inactivity, the investors, represented by attorney Talmon, sought to protect their interests by registering warning notices on the remaining land plots at the Land Registry. The registry refused to record these notices without additional documentation not previously required. Meanwhile, the investors discovered that the Patriarchate was secretly attempting to sell the land to a foreign company registered in the Virgin Islands.

In response, the investors filed an urgent motion for a temporary injunction, which the court granted ex parte. A hearing is scheduled for July 14, where the Patriarchate must explain the sale to the foreign entity, which allegedly excludes the Israeli investors from the deal.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate owns extensive land holdings in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem, controlling nearly 40% of East Jerusalem land. Historically, most acquisitions occurred in the 19th century, and by Israel's founding, the Patriarchate controlled about 10% of West Jerusalem land. Many of these lands are leased to the Jewish National Fund, including notable areas in Rehavia and Talbiya neighborhoods.