Jewish Greens Leader Calls for Zack Polanski to Resign as Green Party 2026

The leader of the Jewish Greens, Vivien Lichtenstein, has called for Zack Polanski to resign as leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, intensifying pressure on Polanski to address internal party anger over a new policy that equates Zionism with racism and calls for the abolition of the state of Israel.

The controversy stems from a motion passed at the Green Party conference over the weekend, which states that Zionism is racism and advocates for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state. Polanski was absent from the debate and vote, instead campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where he finished second to Labour.

Pressure Mounts on Zack Polanski to Resign

Lichtenstein's call for Polanski to step down follows criticism from Caroline Lucas, the party's former leader and first MP, who accused Polanski of a lack of leadership for missing the crucial vote. Lichtenstein had previously warned she was considering quitting the party in the wake of the vote.

In an interview with Times Radio, Lichtenstein said that even though Polanski was campaigning, he should have spoken and voted for the amendments online, which was an option. "He should have done that. And I think that was a big mistake," she said.

Polanski has since stated in post-byelection interviews that he would have voted against the motion had he attended. Two amendments he supported, including one advocating for a two-state solution rather than a single Palestinian state, were voted down.

Key Takeaways from the Green Party Controversy

• Jewish Greens leader calls for Polanski's resignation over his handling of the controversial policy.
• Policy equates Zionism with racism and calls for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state.
• Polanski missed the vote due to campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
• Former leader Caroline Lucas criticizes Polanski for lack of leadership.
• Polanski claims he would have voted against the motion if present.

Comparing Reactions to the Green Party Policy

What This Means for the Green Party

The internal backlash highlights deep divisions within the Green Party over its stance on Israel and Palestine. The policy's adoption has sparked concerns about antisemitism and could alienate moderate supporters. Polanski's leadership is now under scrutiny, with calls for his resignation coming from within his own party.

As the party grapples with the fallout, the focus will be on how Polanski addresses the anger and whether he can unite the party moving forward. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected.

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