Amman, Feb 28 (IANS): Jordan on Tuesday rejected a move by Israel to tax the properties of Christian churches in Jerusalem, saying it is closely monitoring the situation.

Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani said the Israeli move was "provocative" and Jordan will follow up on the work of the team formed by Israel to look into the issue, Xinhua cited the state-run Petra news agency as saying.

"Jordan is making intensive contacts to deal with this major issue and to defend the churches of Jerusalem in light of this illegal move," Momani was quoted as saying.

He added that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and that Israel should commit to preserving the status quo in the holy city.

The minister also stressed on the historic and religious importance of the Christians in the holy city.

Heads of Jerusalem churches recently decided to close the churches in response to the Israeli provocative move.

Momani called for immediately revoking the Israeli decision and ending all unilateral Israeli measures.

Later on Tuesday, Israel said it suspended the plan to collect taxes on properties owned by Christian churches.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said a professional team was being established to negotiate with church officials to "formulate a solution."