The British Green Party adopts policy equating Zionism with racism and calls for Palestinian state establishment.

The Green Party of England and Wales has adopted a policy that equates Zionism with racism, marking a significant shift in its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision was made during the party’s annual conference on October 3, 2026, following a vote by most of its members. The policy calls for the establishment of a single Palestinian state in place of Israel, a move that has sparked internal division and criticism from within the party and beyond.

The proposal, advanced by the Green for Palestine group, frames Zionism as inherently racist, arguing that it privileges one ethnic group through subjugation. The policy does not target religious or ethnic backgrounds but focuses on ideology and political practice. It also includes an amendment to ensure that other parts of the party’s policy align with this new stance, though several amendments were rejected, including one that would have protected members of the Jewish community from being pressured or punished for their affiliation.

The decision has led to a notable split within the party. Four of its five deputies, including former leader Caroline Lucas, have condemned the proposal. Deputy Carla Denier warned of the potential to alienate a large section of Jews, while Deputy Elie Chowens questioned the lack of a clear definition for Zionism. The party’s leader, Zach Polanski, stated that the proposal defines Zionism as “the abandonment and extermination of Palestinians,” a characterization that has drawn sharp criticism.

The policy has also drawn condemnation from the Progressive Jewish Movement, one of the major Jewish communities in Britain. The movement described the proposal as “apocalypse” and warned that the party is becoming a racist organization. This reaction underscores the contentious nature of the policy and its implications for interfaith and interethnic relations.

The adoption of this policy reflects broader debates about the role of Zionism in global politics and the intersection of identity, ideology, and justice. As the Green Party moves forward with its new stance, the implications for its membership, its international reputation, and its engagement with Jewish communities will be closely watched. The policy’s alignment with calls for a Palestinian state highlights the complex and often polarizing nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in contemporary political discourse.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)