British Green Party Leader Runs By-Election Following Zionism Debate

British Green Party leader Zack Polanski is running in a by-election, following a recent debate about Zionism. The decision comes amid growing controversy over the party’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Polanski, who leads the Green Party, has positioned himself as a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause, drawing support from voters disillusioned with the Labour Party’s middle-ground approach to the ongoing conflict.

The Green Party has experienced a notable rise in membership since Polanski took the helm in September 2025. His leadership has shifted the party further to the left, emphasizing social justice and human rights. This shift has attracted attention, particularly in light of the party’s recent endorsement of a resolution that classifies Zionism as a form of racism. The resolution calls for the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state across historical Palestine, effectively rejecting the two-state solution endorsed by the United Nations.

This stance has drawn sharp criticism from major British political parties, Jewish community groups, and the Israeli government. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the resolution as “clearly anti-Semitic,” and denied entry to Polanski, who is Jewish. The resolution, which was approved by 1022 members and opposed by 813 during a party congress, has sparked internal divisions within the Green Party. Four of the five MPs publicly rejected the move, highlighting the party’s fractured unity.

Polanski, who did not participate in the vote, left the conference early to campaign for the by-election. The contest is seen as an early test of his political viability and the broader popularity of the Green Party. He aims to become the sixth member of Parliament in the 650-seat British Parliament, a significant achievement for the party.

Currently, Polanski holds an elected position in the London Council, where he oversees the mayor’s accountability. The Green Party has had notable successes in recent elections, including a by-election win near Manchester in February and significant gains in May’s local elections, particularly in London. However, his popularity has waned in recent months due to a series of controversies, including unpaid municipal tax bills and criticism of the police.

Polling stations opened at 0700 hours (06:00 GMT) and closed at 10 p.m. The results are expected to be announced in the early hours of Friday. The outcome of this by-election will be closely watched, as it may reflect broader shifts in British political sentiment and the impact of the Green Party’s controversial stance on Zionism.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)