Green Party adopts policy equating Zionism with racism, calls for single Palestinian state

The Green Party has adopted a policy that equates Zionism with racism and calls for the replacement of Israel with a single Palestinian state. The motion, which passed by 1,022 votes to 813, was opposed by most of the party’s MPs and is expected to face legal challenges. The policy states that Zionism, the movement for a Jewish state, should be treated as any other form of racism and advocates for a state with equal rights for all.

Zack Polanski, the Greens’ leader in England and Wales, missed the vote at the party’s conference in Brighton, drawing criticism for his absence on a highly contentious issue. Concerns have also been raised that the policy change was largely driven by newcomers with limited engagement with the party’s broader platform.

Four of the party’s five MPs opposed the motion. Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns expressed deep sadness over the decision, while Siân Berry and Carla Denyer pledged support for any Jewish members who felt targeted by the policy. The motion’s language has drawn sharp criticism from Israel’s foreign ministry, which called it an antisemitic text under the IHRA definition, as it denies the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

In response, Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced that Green Party leader Zack Polanski would be barred from entering Israel, a decision coordinated with relevant authorities. Jewish members of the Green Party have expressed concern that the policy could lead to disciplinary action for those affiliated with Jewish organizations that support Zionism, including synagogues.

Salma Yaqoob, a backer of the motion and former member of George Galloway’s Respect party, denied claims that Jewish members would face punishment for their beliefs. She stated that no one would be removed, challenged, or disciplined for expressing support for Zionism. However, an amendment to the motion, which sought to prevent its use for disciplinary purposes, was not adopted.

The policy has sparked significant debate within the party and beyond, highlighting the complex and divisive nature of the issue. As the Green Party moves forward with its new stance, the implications for its members and relationships with Jewish communities remain uncertain. The motion underscores the ongoing tensions between different perspectives on Zionism, self-determination, and the pursuit of peace.

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