The decision against Israel backfired: Turmoil in the British party

The British Green Party's decision to define Zionism as racism is causing a severe internal rift. Deputy leader Ali supports respecting the vote outcome, while leader Polanski seeks to change it. The background includes a by-election loss, internal criticism, and a council member's resignation.

The British Green Party's decision to define Zionism as racism, passed at the party conference in Brighton with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against, is causing severe internal turmoil. The decision defines the Greens as an anti-Zionist party and supports a single democratic Palestinian state. Four of the party's five MPs opposed the motion. Leader Zack Polanski, who did not vote due to campaigning in a by-election, signaled his desire to change the decision to allow future support for a two-state solution. Deputy leader Ali, associated with the pro-Palestinian wing, demands respect for the democratic vote outcome, though he did not rule out future amendments. The conflict extends beyond the Israel issue: Polanski seeks to change the party's decision-making mechanisms, arguing that a small group of activists led a policy with heavy national consequences. The crisis background includes a by-election loss, internal criticism, and a council member's resignation.