Israel slams Green Party after members vote to define Zionism as racism

What Happened

The Green Party of England and Wales voted on Sunday to recognize Zionism as a form of racism and to back a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights for all ethnic and religious groups, rather than a two-state solution. The party is the first major UK political party to adopt this position. In response, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Greens of giving 'legitimacy to terrorism' and said the new policy went 'far beyond the boundaries of legitimate political debate'. The ministry called on other British parties to condemn the resolution and wrote on social media: 'The Greens have adopted not only the green of Hamas, but also its ideology: the elimination of the State of Israel through armed struggle.' Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the move 'a disgrace and a shame' and said those who claim 'Zionism is racism' deliberately endanger Jews and Israelis everywhere.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The vote marks the first time a major UK political party has defined Zionism as racism and endorsed a one-state solution rather than the long-standing international two-state framework. It signals a potential shift in UK political discourse on Israel–Palestine and could influence public debate and diplomatic positions. Israel's strong reaction, including a call for other parties to condemn the resolution, indicates concern about delegitimization and the erosion of support for the two-state consensus among Western political actors.

Watch For

Watch for formal responses from the UK Labour Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats and other political groups, particularly whether any issue statements of condemnation or support. Monitor whether Israel takes further diplomatic measures, such as contact with UK party leaders or public campaigns. Also track whether the Green Party leadership clarifies or distances itself from the membership vote, and whether Palestinian groups or the Palestinian Authority comment on the resolution.