The Cabinet has approved the controversial appointment of Irineos as Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church - a post that must be approved by Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The latter two approved it long ago - which came as no surprise, in the light of the close relations between Irineos and Yasser Arafat. In correspondence with Arafat, Irineos uses sharp anti-Semitic terminology, openly expresses support for PLO terrorism against Israel, and asks Arafat to support him in his quest to become Patriarch, promising that if he is elected, "rest assured, Mr. President, that the rights of our most beloved Palestinian people on the Holy City of Jerusalem will find the most 'hot' supporter." Copies of letters from Irineos to Arafat can be seen on Arutz-7's website at .
The Greek Orthodox Church owns many properties in western Jerusalem, including those on which stand the Knesset, the Prime Minister's and President's residence, the Great Synagogue, and more. The Patriarch thus has the authority to carry out many large-scale real estate deals, and in fact Irineos informed Arafat a few months ago that he plans to grant him as "a personal gift" land in western Jerusalem.
The Greek Orthodox Church also owns most of the Greek island that David Appel wishes to acquire. Appel allegedly sought the help of the Sharon family in purchasing this island. In today's vote, which was 11 in favor of Irineos' appointment and 6 against, Ehud Olmert voted against, while Prime Minister Sharon voted in favor.
The Greek Orthodox Church owns many properties in western Jerusalem, including those on which stand the Knesset, the Prime Minister's and President's residence, the Great Synagogue, and more. The Patriarch thus has the authority to carry out many large-scale real estate deals, and in fact Irineos informed Arafat a few months ago that he plans to grant him as "a personal gift" land in western Jerusalem.
The Greek Orthodox Church also owns most of the Greek island that David Appel wishes to acquire. Appel allegedly sought the help of the Sharon family in purchasing this island. In today's vote, which was 11 in favor of Irineos' appointment and 6 against, Ehud Olmert voted against, while Prime Minister Sharon voted in favor.