European Greens Denounce UK Party's 'Zionism is Racism' Resolution

The European Green Party has publicly distanced itself from a resolution passed by the Green Party of England and Wales that declared "Zionism is racism." The European umbrella group stated that the resolution contradicts the agreed positions of its member parties and emphasized its support for the self-determination of both Israelis and Palestinians. The European leadership announced it would demand clarifications from the British Green Party regarding its policy.

The controversial resolution was adopted at the Green Party of England and Wales' conference in Brighton with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against. The resolution defined Zionism as an "ethno-nationalist political project," asserted that opposition to Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism, and called for support for boycotts, divestment, sanctions, and an arms embargo against Israel, as well as the establishment of a single Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine. The resolution also called for strengthening the Palestinian struggle.

The European Greens' statement highlighted their long-standing support for a two-state solution, recognizing the right of both Israel and Palestine to exist as sovereign states. They noted that the Green Party of England and Wales had previously been involved in shaping this stance within the European Green framework. The European leadership expressed deep concern about the resolution prior to the vote and indicated that many within the British party, including most of its Members of Parliament, publicly opposed it.

Despite denouncing the resolution, the European Greens reiterated their strong condemnation of alleged atrocities against Palestinians and human rights violations by the current Israeli government, along with their consistent calls for EU sanctions against Israel. However, they stressed that their fight against antisemitism and their commitment to human rights remain integral to their platform, referencing a rise in antisemitic incidents and violent attacks.

The resolution has also caused internal division within the British Green Party. Party leader Zac Polenszky did not participate in the vote, and MP Carla Denyer warned that the move could harm the party's traditional stance on self-determination for both peoples. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sharply criticized the party, accusing it of adopting a position that effectively calls for Israel's elimination, and urged major British parties, including Labour, to disavow the resolution. The European Green Party is now seeking official policy clarifications from the British party's leadership, particularly concerning their stance on the self-determination of Israelis and Jews, and the protection of Jews and party members.