UK Green Party adopts 'Zionism is racism' policy, triggering internal rift and Israeli ban
The UK Green Party voted to define Zionism as a form of racism and support a single democratic Palestinian state. The decision passed by 1,022 to 813, causing deep internal division and prompting Israel to ban party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country.
Key points
- The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and supporting a single democratic Palestinian state in historic Palestine.
- The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813 at the party’s conference in Brighton, despite opposition from four of its five MPs and party leader Zack Polanski.
- Israel’s foreign ministry banned Polanski from entering the country, calling the move an endorsement of terrorism and anti-Semitism.
- Jewish Greens chair Vivien Lichtenstein said she may leave the party, calling the motion 'problematic' and unhelpful to Palestinians.
- The vote follows a 1975 UN resolution that similarly equated Zionism with racism, which was revoked in 1991.
Background
The Green Party has previously faced internal tensions over its stance on Israel and Palestine, including debates over the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement. This latest policy shift marks a significant escalation in the party’s pro-Palestinian stance, drawing comparisons to historical UN resolutions and international debates over Zionism and anti-Semitism.
How outlets are covering it
CNN and BBC report on the internal division within the Green Party, with BBC highlighting the potential exit of Jewish Greens chair Vivien Lichtenstein. Al Jazeera provides historical context, noting the 1975 UN resolution and its revocation in 1991, while also mentioning other groups like Jewish Voice for Peace that have equated Zionism with racism. All sources agree on the vote count and the Israeli ban on Polanski, but differ in emphasis: BBC focuses on the human impact and internal party dynamics, while Al Jazeera contextualizes the decision within broader historical and international debates.
Why it matters
The Green Party’s decision to define Zionism as racism has significant implications for its relationship with Jewish communities, international relations, and domestic politics. It highlights the ongoing debate over the intersection of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, and the potential legal and social consequences of such policies.
What to watch
The Green Party may face further internal divisions and potential legal challenges over the policy. Polanski’s ban from Israel could impact his by-election campaign, and the party may need to address concerns from Jewish members and other political parties. The decision may also influence broader debates over anti-Semitism and pro-Palestinian activism in the UK and internationally.
- Britain’s Green Party votes to class Zionism as a form of racism CNN
- UK Green Party declares Zionism is racism, angering Israel Reuters
- Jewish Greens chair says she could leave party over 'Zionism is racism' motion BBC
- Before UK Greens, who else has equated Zionism with racism? Al Jazeera
- Israel bans Zack Polanski after Green Party’s ‘Zionism is racism’ vote The Times
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