UK Prime Minister Defends Israel, Demands Green Party Drop Anti-Zionist Motion
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Prime Minister Rishi Burnham has called on the Green Party to rescind its radical anti-Zionism motion, warning it undermines the only viable two-state solution and exposes dangerous extremism within the party.
Prime Minister Rishi Burnham has taken a firm stand in defense of Israel, urging the Green Party to reverse its recently adopted anti-Zionist motion. Burnham argued that the motion effectively rejects the only realistic two-state solution for peace between Israel and Palestine. Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Burnham stated unequivocally that the motion "shouldn't be supported in any way, shape or form," and pressed the Green Party leadership to make clear that such radicalism will not become official policy.
The Green Party’s motion, passed at its conference, has sparked significant controversy and exposed deep divisions within the party. Four out of five Green MPs opposed the motion, recognizing the dangers of pandering to anti-Israel sentiment. The party’s co-deputy leaders were split, and the Welsh deputy leader resigned, highlighting the chaos and lack of unity caused by extremist elements. Former Green leader Caroline Lucas, who voted against the motion, described it as "dangerous" and "divisive," and called for stronger leadership to prevent fringe activists from hijacking the party’s agenda.
Green candidate Polanski, who left the conference early to focus on a by-election, did not vote on the motion. Polanski had previously supported an amendment to protect Jewish members attending Zionist synagogues, but the amendment was rejected—an alarming sign of growing intolerance within the party. Polanski also stated that neither the party nor the UK government should decide the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dodging responsibility for standing with Western allies.
The Green Party’s internal democracy model, where members set policy, has allowed radical voices to push divisive positions that are not automatically reflected in general-election manifestos. A party spokesperson admitted the issue is emotive and complex, but failed to condemn the anti-Israel rhetoric outright.
Burnham declined to comment on possible future coalition arrangements with the Greens, perhaps recognizing the risks of associating with a party increasingly influenced by anti-Zionist extremists.