UK Green Party Passes Controversial 'Zionism is Racism' Motion

The Green Party in the United Kingdom has passed a contentious motion declaring "Zionism is Racism," a move that has drawn sharp criticism and led to accusations of antisemitism. The resolution, approved by a vote of 1,022 to 813 at a party conference, calls for Israel to be treated like apartheid South Africa and supports the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital. This latter point has been interpreted by some as a plan for the destruction of Israel itself.

The vote has ignited a significant internal conflict within the party. Deputy leader Mothin Ali stated he would vote in favor of the motion, linking Zionism to the Israeli assault on Gaza. "The ultimate form of racism is genocide, so anyone that believes in genociding people just so they can live free, that is racism," Ali said.

However, three former party leaders – Caroline Lucas, Adrian Ramsay, and Carla Denyer – warned that the motion was divisive and could alienate Jewish members. Denyer expressed concern that the resolution "risks alienating a significant proportion of Jewish people, including those who vehemently disagree with the Israeli government." She added that defining Zionism in this context does not aid efforts to support Palestinians or end the conflict. Lucas echoed these sentiments, stating there was "a real risk that it will be divisive and could be seen as a sign that Jewish people aren't welcome in the party."

Current party leader Zack Polanski was absent from the vote, as he was campaigning for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in London. Polanski has previously described the motion as an "unhelpful distraction" and has repeatedly avoided directly stating whether Israel has a right to exist, asserting instead that "countries have always been ideas, and ideas change over time." He has also said, "I don't believe any country has a right to exist. People have a right to exist."

Former Green deputy leader Shahrar Ali called the decision "a very sad day for the Green Party," stating, "Making Zionism is Racism our official party policy has made us the first openly anti-Semitic party in the UK. That conclusion is inescapable." He further characterized the call for a single Palestinian state as requiring "the total obliteration of the state of Israel as a political entity."

A Jewish Green member described the motion as endorsing Hamas policy and going beyond discourse for a two-state solution, calling for the dismantling of the Jewish state. "Anyone recognising Israel's right to exist will be tarnished as a racist," the member stated, adding that the rejection of an amendment to protect Jewish people made the party seem "Islamist."

The motion's passage makes the Green Party the only British political party formally opposed to Zionism. This follows previous attempts by pro-Palestine groups within the party to label Israel an "apartheid state." The motion was passed with only a minute remaining in the conference's plenary session, after amendments aimed at softening its language failed.

A Green Party spokesperson emphasized that the party is anti-racist and has consistently opposed the occupation of Palestinian and Syrian land, calling for an end to arms sales to Israel and speaking out about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. "Those positions remain central to our approach. So too does our deeply held commitment to equality, justice and human rights for all and opposition to racism in all its forms," the spokesperson said.

The conference proceedings were marked by tension, with a designated "safe room" for Jewish members and a police presence to separate opposing groups. Reports also emerged of two Green members having their passes revoked: one for silently protesting in a Palestine fringe meeting while wearing a t-shirt that read "Some people are Zionist—Get over it!" and another Jewish Green member for filming the interaction.