UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski defends motion equating Zionism with racism

Polanski defends the party motion

The Green Party approved a motion stating that Zionism is a form of racism. Polanski did not attend the vote but stated he agreed with the broad thrust of the decision. He told the BBC that debates over the specific wording were unhelpful and that the core issue was not controversial.

Claims about state existence

Polanski asserted that no country has a right to exist under international law. He dismissed the concept of a two-state solution as ineffective because Israel opposes it. The leader argued that Palestinian deaths constitute evidence of a racist ideology in practice.

Critiques from political opponents

The motion has drawn condemnation from across the political establishment following its passage. Critics argue there is only one definition of Zionism, which is the right of Jewish people to self-determination. Opponents also claim that defining the movement as racist ignores competing definitions that are not racist.