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

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1. 2h ago

   UK Greens Face Isolation Over Zionism Vote

   The Green Party of England and Wales is facing international ostracism and severe internal turmoil following a vote to define Zionism as a form of racism and back a single Palestinian state. The policy has triggered backlash from British Jewish leaders, European allies, and the Israeli government, which stated it views the party as giving legitimacy to terrorism. In response to the crisis, party leader Zack Polanski is seeking internal rule reforms to grant leaders greater control over policy, while some members have walked out and key figures warn against extremist capture.

   Why it matters

   The controversial policy was adopted at the party conference after passing 1,022 to 813. Critics note that this turnout represented a tiny fraction of the total membership, with figures pointing to less than one percent of the party's 230,000 members participating in the vote. The decision has severely strained relations with European green counterparts, notably drawing condemnation from German green leadership.

   What is confirmed

   • The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a motion formally establishing it as an anti-Zionist party by defining Zionism as a form of racism.
   • The motion passed with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against.
   • The Israeli government stated it now views the party as a body that gives legitimacy to terrorism.
   • European green allies condemned the motion, with the German Green co-leader calling it intolerable and unacceptable.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The head of the Jewish Greens is considering quitting the party over the adopted policy.

   What to watch next

   • Internal rule changes proposed by Zack Polanski to alter party policy adoption processes
   • Further walkouts or resignations by Jewish members and high-ranking officials
   • European Green party responses regarding formal disciplinary or diplomatic actions
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. theguardian.com — Zack Polanski may rue lack of leadership when Greens needed him to act
   2. The Guardian — Green party of England and Wales facing international ostracism over ‘Zionism is racism’ vote
   3. www.theguardian.com — Tuesday briefing: Why the Green party’s Zionism vote has caused a backlash
   4. The Free Press — Tony Blair: Britain’s Fastest-Growing Party Has an Anti-Jewish Problem
   5. www.jta.org — In Britain, ‘Jewish Greens’ chief mulls quitting party after ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion passes - ....
   6. www.jpost.com — UK Green Party members condemn 'Zionism is racism' vote, some walkout | The Jerusalem Post
   7. Al Jazeera — Yes, Zionism is racism
   8. Al Jazeera — The UK Greens are wrong – Zionism is not racism
   9. www.cnn.com — Britain’s Green Party votes to class Zionism as a form of racism
   10. inews.co.uk — 'Zack should go': How hard-left revolt and antisemitism row turned Greens 'toxic'
   11. theconversation.com — Zack Polanski loses his byelection bid – and the Green party’s Zionism motion has outraged its closest allies in Europe
   12. www.sajr.co.za — In Britain, ‘Jewish Greens’ chief mulls quitting party after ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion passes
   confidence 95%