Taxes without services.. How does taxation in Jerusalem become a tool to reduce the Palestinian presence?

The taxes imposed by the occupying authorities on Palestinians in Jerusalem are considered a pressure tool aimed at reducing the Palestinian presence in the city. Although Jerusalemites are treated as permanent residents, they are required to pay all taxes like citizens, which burdens them with financial obligations without these burdens reflecting on the services provided to them.

Statistics show that Jews make up 61% of Jerusalem's population, reflecting the occupation's policy of changing the demographic composition in their favor. Studies have shown that the taxes imposed on Palestinians in Jerusalem are illegal under international law, which does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the city.

The taxes imposed on Jerusalemites include the Arnona tax, which is levied on all covered properties, income tax, value-added tax, in addition to national insurance fees. These taxes burden Jerusalemites and negatively affect their economic capacity.

Building permit fees are among the most costly fees, as Jerusalemites are forced to pay multiple taxes to obtain building permits, leading many of them to construct their homes without the necessary permits, exposing them to fines or demolition.

Racist policies in Jerusalem are manifested through discrimination in the services provided, where 90% of the city's budget is allocated to Jews, while only 10% is allocated to Palestinians. This discrimination significantly affects the level of services and infrastructure in Palestinian neighborhoods.

Jerusalemites suffer from significant economic pressures, with about 80% of them living below the poverty line. These conditions drive many to consider migrating to less expensive areas, threatening the Palestinian presence in the city.

Data indicates that 74% of Palestinians in Jerusalem are dissatisfied with their economic situation, while 74% of Jews are satisfied with theirs. This gap reflects the discrimination faced by Palestinians in all areas.

The occupying authorities continue to impose taxes and fees arbitrarily, increasing the suffering of Palestinians in Jerusalem and reinforcing the policy of forced displacement.