UK Green Party faces backlash after defining Zionism as racism

The Green Party of England and Wales voted at its annual conference on Sunday to define Zionism as a form of racism. France 24, Euronews, and the BBC all reported that members passed the motion, triggering sharp condemnation from political leaders and Jewish organisations. [3][4][12]

In response to the resolution, Israel banned the party's leader Zack Polanski from entering the country. Euronews reported that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made the decision on Sunday evening, while Middle East Eye noted that Israel accused the party of giving legitimacy to terrorism. [2][3][5][7]

The vote has also caused severe backlash among European political allies. Guardian Europe reported that the European Green Party stated the motion goes against its official policy, while the co-leader of the German Greens called the decision intolerable and unacceptable. [1]

Domestic opposition to the resolution has emerged within the party itself and from civil society. According to Euronews, at least three out of five Green Members of Parliament opposed the policy, while Anadolu Ajansı reported that the chair of Amnesty UK resigned from the Green Party over the motion. [3][10]