RAMALLAH, November 13, 2011 (WAFA) – Ahmad Rwaidy, a consultant in the office of President Mahmoud Abbas for Jerusalem affairs, Sunday in an interview said around 88% of the property tax ('Arnona') that Israel collects in Jerusalem goes to settlement expansion and Israeli interests.

Rwaidy, talking to Voice of Palestine radio, said Israel intends to double the current Arnona as part of its ongoing policy and demographic war against the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and to expand settlements.

The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem prosecutes any Jerusalem resident who does not pay Arnona, which accumulates to exorbitant sums that Jerusalemites cannot afford. Ultimately, in case of non-payment, the municipality puts the property to auction to facilitate takeover by Jewish groups.

R.Q./F.J.