The Cabinet will vote Sunday on the transfer of Sergei's Courtyard in Jerusalem to Russian ownership. Sovereignty over the courtyard first became an issue in 2004, when then-President of Russia Vladamir Putin claimed the area belonged to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will travel to Russia on Monday. While there, he will meet with senior officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program and Russian arms sales to Syria. Olmert has asked his cabinet to approve the transfer of Sergei's Courtyard as a “good-will gesture” to Russia that would create a favorable mood when he requests that Russia limit its sales to Syria and impose sanctions on Iran.