Green Party Debates Zionism as Racism Policy at October Conference

The Green Party of England and Wales is scheduled to debate a motion at its October conference that would formally classify Zionism as racism. If adopted, the policy would advocate for a single Palestinian state and could lead to disciplinary action against members who support Zionism, according to reports. This proposal has created significant internal friction regarding the party's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ahead of the conference.

Polanski Faces Leadership Dilemma

Party leader Zack Polanski has not publicly addressed the motion, despite pressure from within the organization to clarify his position. Observers suggest that Polanski faces a strategic dilemma: opposing the motion risks alienating a vocal segment of the party's base, while silence or support could damage the party’s standing with the Jewish community and moderate voters. Senior party members noted the leader is in a "difficult position," according to one report.

Polanski is understood to have reservations about the Polanski is understood to have reservations about the motion, particularly concerning its potential impact on Jewish members and the peace process, according to a Green source. Some within the party view his stance on the motion as a test of his leadership, especially regarding his willingness to challenge newer members.

Internal Divisions and Conference Dynamics

Internal concerns persist that the motion could trigger significant organizational splits and impact the party's political credibility. The potential absence of leadership-aligned activists at the October conference, due to competing electoral priorities such as a byelection a week later, increases the likelihood that the motion could pass in its current form.

The Green Party

If passed, the motion calls for "a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital," ensuring equal rights for all and the right of return for Palestinians and their descendants. It also states that Zionism "will be treated as any other form of racism" by the party, risking disciplinary action against members who support it.

Two amendments aiming to temper the motion have been tabled, with Polanski reportedly supporting these efforts. However, some Green sources have warned that if the motion passes unamended, it risks alienating the UK's Jewish community and could cause internal divisions, noting a shift in the party's previously mature debate culture.