Polanski failed to show leadership over Zionism motion, ex-Green leader says
Green Party leader Zack Polanski is facing internal criticism after failing to take a clear stance on a party motion that labeled Zionism a form of racism. Polanski stated he would have voted against the specific motion but agreed with its characterization of the situation in Gaza.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights deep divisions within the UK Green Party regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raises questions about Polanski's leadership effectiveness.
Figure caption, Polanski challenged over whether he thinks Israel has right to exist
Zack Polanski has said he would not have voted for a motion passed by Green Party members declaring Zionism a form of racism.
The Green Party leader told BBC Breakfast the motion was "imperfect" and he would have voted for an amended version.
However, he said the "substantial part of the motion", that "the displacement and genocide of the Palestinian people is clearly underpinned by a racist ideology" was "obvious". Israel has repeatedly denied its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
The motion defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and backed a "single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine", which includes modern-day Israel.
Polanski has faced criticism - including from some senior Green Party figures - over his response to the motion.
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