Israel Bans British Green Party Leader Zak Polanski Over Anti-Zionism Resolution

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared Zak Polanski, the chairman of the British Green Party, a persona non grata, banning him from entering the country. This action follows a resolution passed at the party's congress that equated Zionism with racism, defining it as "a political ideology in the name of creating a Jewish state based on ethno-nationalism." The resolution also endorsed the establishment of a "single democratic Palestinian state on the entire territory of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital," including the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, and supported "the struggle to achieve this goal by any legal means."

The resolution, introduced by the "Greens for Palestine" faction, was not unanimously approved, with 56% voting in favor and 44% against. A Jewish faction within the party, "Jewish Greens," urged members to vote against the resolution, stating it was more problematic than typical criticisms of Israel and could make Jews feel unwelcome. Some members opposed the resolution on the grounds that left-wing movements generally support national self-determination as part of anti-colonial struggles, and such a precedent could be applied to "officially Arab" countries.

Despite internal opposition, the resolution passed, prompting a strong reaction from Jerusalem. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the resolution "clearly antisemitic" as it denies the Jewish people's right to self-determination, citing the IHRA definition. In response, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar decided to ban Polanski, who supported the initiative, from entering Israel.

Polanski, whose birth name is David Paulden, was born in the UK to a family with Jewish roots and legally changed his name at 18. He has stated he grew up in a "Zionist family" and attended a Jewish school. His views on Israel reportedly shifted after encountering the "Shovrim Shtika" movement, with the war in Gaza further solidifying his critical stance. Polanski is also associated with the "Na'amod" organization, which advocates for an end to the Jewish community's support for the "Israeli occupation and apartheid."

Polanski had indicated "limited support" for the resolution, suggesting it should be specifically linked to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and events in Gaza. However, he ultimately voted for the resolution as it was ultimately drafted.