The leader of the Jewish Greens, Vivien Lichtenstein, has called for Zack Polanski to resign amid growing pressure on the Green leader to address the backlash over a controversial policy that equates Zionism with racism and advocates for the abolition of the state of Israel.
Context
Lichtenstein's remarks follow criticism from Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the Greens and the party's first MP, who expressed disappointment over Polanski's absence during the debate and vote at the weekend that led to the policy's adoption. Lichtenstein had previously indicated she was contemplating leaving the Green Party of England and Wales after the party conference vote, which supports the notion that Zionism is racism and calls for a single Palestinian state.
Developments
Polanski was not present at the conference on Sunday, as he was campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, where he finished second to the Labour Party. In interviews following the byelection, Polanski stated that he would have opposed the motion had he been in attendance. Two amendments he supported, including one advocating for a two-state solution instead of a single Palestinian state, were rejected.
