Particle.news

UK Green Leader Signals Conditional Backing for Motion Declaring Zionism Racist

The stance faces opposition from Israeli officials, with Jewish Greens urging members to reject the proposal.

Overview

  • Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he would support a conference motion if Zionism is defined as the current Israeli government's actions in Gaza, which he described as racist.
  • The motion, titled “Zionism is Racism,” is scheduled for debate at next month’s Green Party spring conference and affirms Palestinians’ right to resistance and liberation from Israeli control.
  • Israel’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel condemned the proposal, calling it one of the most hateful and racist documents she has read.
  • Jewish Greens urged party members to vote against the motion, warning it goes beyond criticism of Israeli policy and risks making Jews feel unwelcome in the party.
  • Documents reported by the Times, citing the Daily Telegraph, say the submission argues for a single Palestinian state and questions use of the term antisemitism, claims not issued as an official party text; the row unfolds days before a Gorton and Denton by-election.