The transfer of Sergei's Courtyard in Jerusalem to Russian ownership would set a dangerous precedent, Jerusalem mayoral candidate Nir Barkat warned Sunday. If Israel gives in to Russia's claim that the property belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church, it could encourage other states to begin claiming church property, he said, including that of the Greek Orthodox Church, which claims ownership over the land on which the Knesset was built.
"It's a dangerous precedent, giving property in the heart of Jerusalem to foreign interests,” Barkat warned. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On, and Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann all support the property transfer, which government sources say is meant to encourage Russia to stop selling advanced weapons to Syria.