British Greens embrace anti‑Zionist stance as UK foreign policy shifts on Israel‑Palestine
At its latest congress the Green Party of England and Wales approved a resolution that describes Zionism as a form of racism and calls for a single democratic Palestinian state covering the whole territory. In parallel, the foreign secretary announced that the United Kingdom will tie sanctions to an end of Israel’s occupation and support a UN resolution labeling the occupation illegal. The two moves have unsettled traditional pro‑Israel networks in Britain and prompted mixed reactions from Jewish groups, with some praising the focus on the occupation and others warning the Zionism motion could be seen as targeting Israel itself. The developments mark a break from the long‑standing pro‑Israel consensus among major British parties.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 4h later
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The shift could reshape UK debate and policy on the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and affect how the issue is perceived domestically.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the developments as a notable break from a historic pro-Israel consensus, while center and right-leaning coverage condemn the Greens’ anti-Zionist motion as evidence of rising antisemitism.
LEFT
Depicts the Labour and Green actions as a significant shift away from the long-standing pro-Israel stance.
CENTER
Labels the Greens’ vote as disgraceful and a sign of growing middle-class antisemitism.
RIGHT
Portrays the Greens’ anti-Zionist resolution as extremist, antisemitic, and aligned with Hamas.
The left emphasises
- break long-standing pro-Israel consensus
- link sanctions to the cessation of Israel’s occupation
- Zionism called a racist ideology
- mixed reactions from Jewish organisations
The right emphasises
- Greens adopt anti-Zionist stance, prompting Hamas praise
- resolution seen as a call for the dissolution of Israel
- anti-Israel mobs want one state called ‘Palestine’
- medical staff antisemitism flagged in the UK
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Israel's Election Committee Bars Joint List Arab Alliance from Knesset Race
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
- Oct 6 Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Green leader Zack Polanski have publicly challenged the UK’s traditional support for Israel, endorsing sanctions and labeling Zionism as racist.
- Oct 14 Andy Burnham told MPs he will not consider any Labour-Green coalition after the Green Party adopted a “Zionism is Racism” motion at its Brighton conference.
- Oct 15 Andy Burnham publicly ruled out any future power‑sharing deal with the Green Party over the motion.
- Oct 17 The Green Party’s congress approved the anti‑Zionist resolution.
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