Green party of England and Wales facing international ostracism over ‘Zionism is racism’ vote

The Green Party of England and Wales is facing international criticism after its conference passed a binding motion declaring Zionism a form of racism. This decision has drawn dismay from the European Green party, which supports a two-state solution and the right of Israel to exist. The co-leader of the German Greens called the motion "intolerable and unacceptable," stating it runs counter to the European Green party's values. The motion, passed by a small proportion of the party's membership, advocates for a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights for all. The fallout has also sparked debate within the party about its decentralized policymaking structures.

The UK's Green Party has voted to define Zionism as a form of racism and adopted pro-Palestine policies, including support for a single democratic state throughout historic Palestine and the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement. This decision, made at the party's conference, has drawn condemnation from Israel, which accused the party of legitimizing terrorism and equating its stance with anti-Semitism. The vote also caused internal controversy, with four of the party's five Members of Parliament opposing parts of the resolution. Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, stated that if Zionism leads to Palestinian displacement, it is racist, but he does not support the idea of an external entity dictating the future state. Historically, the UN General Assembly passed a similar resolution in 1975, determining Zionism to be a form of racism and racial discrimination.

The UK's Green Party has voted to define Zionism as an "ethnonationalist political project," a move that has drawn strong condemnation from Israel and British Jewish groups. Israel's president called the decision an "antisemitic lie" that endangers Jews and Israelis, while the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated the policy exceeded legitimate debate and urged other parties to condemn it. The Green Party also reaffirmed its support for Palestinian liberation, BDS, and an arms embargo against Israel. British Jewish groups have accused the Green Party of making antisemitism party policy.

The UK's Green Party, at its annual meeting on Sunday, voted to define Zionism as racism. This decision, made by party members with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against, means Zionism will be treated as any other form of racism. The move has prompted significant backlash from British Jewish groups and the Israeli government. The Green Party currently holds five seats in the British parliament.

The Green Party of England and Wales has adopted a policy at its annual conference equating Zionism with racism and calling for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state. The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813, despite opposition from most Green MPs. The party leader, Zack Polanski, stated he believes Zionism is a racist idea. The policy defines Zionism as a political ideology that privileges one ethnic group over others. Some party members are considering legal challenges under equality laws, with a leading barrister suggesting such a case has a good chance of success, arguing the policy could discriminate against and harass Zionists and Jewish people.