Green Party Rocked by 'Zionism is Racism' Vote, Leader Faces Exit Calls

The Green Party of England and Wales is in deep crisis after its members controversially passed a motion on October 4, 2026, declaring 'Zionism is racism,' a move that has plunged the party into internal strife and sparked widespread condemnation. This comes as party leader Zack Polanski faces intense pressure to resign, not only for his handling of the divisive motion but also following his recent defeat in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Adding to the turmoil, a senior Green MP has warned that the party risks being 'captured by extremists and racists,' highlighting deep ideological rifts and concerns about external influence. This contentious motion, which also called for a single democratic Palestinian state and an arms embargo against Israel, has ignited a fierce backlash from various fronts. Israel condemned the policy as antisemitic and took the unprecedented step of barring Polanski, who is Jewish, from entering the country. British Jewish groups expressed 'acute concerns' about rising antisemitism within the party, while the European Green Party 'unequivocally' distanced itself from the UK Greens' stance, stating it contradicts their support for a two-state solution. Polanski, who missed the crucial vote while campaigning, later stated he agreed with the motion 'in substance,' describing Israel as an apartheid state, further fueling calls for his resignation from figures like former leader Caroline Lucas and the chair of Jewish Greens. With Polanski set to face a leadership vote next year, the immediate future of the Green Party hangs in the balance. The ongoing 'civil war' threatens to redefine the party's identity, potentially alienating traditional environmentalist voters as it grapples with accusations of 'entryism' by activists primarily focused on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The party's ability to navigate these deep divisions and reclaim its broader appeal will be closely watched, especially as other political parties, including the ruling Labour Party, rule out cooperation and even consider legal action over the motion's implications.