Zack Polanski Faces Internal Opposition in Green Party Following Controversial Motion

Zack Polanski is experiencing internal dissent within the Green Party amid a controversy regarding anti-Semitism. Phil Davies, the party's Welsh deputy leader, resigned and canceled his membership on Tuesday after a policy motion was passed that declared 'Zionism is racism.' Davies described the vote at the Greens' conference in Brighton as 'the final nail in the coffin for me.' Critics of the motion argue that it effectively calls for the elimination of Israel, as it supports a single Palestinian state. The motion has led to significant criticism, with some labeling the Green Party as 'an extremist party' and the motion as an 'attack' on the Jewish community. In an Instagram post, Davies stated, 'This motion to me achieves nothing materially to help people in Palestine and, by committing us to a single-state solution, acts against one of our four pillars of Green Politics of Grassroots Democracy.' Anthony Slaughter, the Green leader in the Welsh Senedd, also expressed disapproval of the motion's passage without amendments. In response to the backlash, Polanski has emphasized his commitment to protecting the rights of both Palestinians and British Jews. He stated that 'anti-Semitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct.' The Green Party has been reported to both the police and the UK's equalities watchdog regarding the conference events. The US government is also expected to address the situation, according to a senior advisor on anti-Semitism. Polanski, who is campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, has reiterated that his leadership will ensure inclusivity within the party. The motion received 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against, declaring the Greens an 'anti-Zionist party' and advocating for a 'single democratic Palestinian State in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.' Supporters of the motion were vocal during the conference, with chants such as 'say it loud, say it clear, Zionists are not welcome here.' Polanski previously indicated a desire for an amendment to the motion that would advocate for equal rights for both Israelis and Palestinians, but the proposed amendment was rejected. A group of Labour MPs has called for an investigation into the events at the conference, and Sussex Police are reviewing a letter regarding the matter.