Green Party leader Zack Polanski has sparked controversy after comments linking the rise of anti-Semitism in Britain to the Jewish community’s response to criticism of Israel. Speaking at a by-election hustings for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, Polanski suggested that describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide is not anti-Semitic and that labeling such criticism as anti-Semitism ultimately undermines Jewish safety.

Polanski, who is seeking to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, addressed an event hosted by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. He stated that “many genocide scholars” recognize the Israeli military campaign in Gaza as genocide and argued that calling it such should not be equated with anti-Semitism. He further asserted that conflating anti-Semitism with criticism of Israel can create tension within national discourse and harm Jewish safety.

The Green Party leader also described himself as an anti-Zionist, a stance he expressed despite acknowledging it may be controversial in the setting. He declined to affirm whether Israel has a right to exist when questioned, instead emphasizing his view that “countries have always been ideas” subject to change. Polanski expressed opposition to defining Zionism—the belief in Jewish self-determination—as a racist ideology, but did not explicitly condemn a recent party motion that sought to do so and called for the abolition of Israel in favor of a single democratic Palestinian state. That motion also supported "resistance and liberation from Israeli occupation, including by armed struggle."

Polanski’s leadership has been marked by ongoing scrutiny over accusations of anti-Semitism within the Green Party. Earlier this year, two Green candidates were arrested on suspicion of stirring racial hatred for allegedly posting anti-Semitic content online. Additionally, it was reported that nearly 20 Green candidates had shared material that was deemed offensive, including at least one reference to Jewish people in a derogatory manner. Some candidates have openly supported the boycott of Israel campaign and expressed solidarity with Palestine.

The controversy surrounding Polanski and the Green Party comes amid growing tensions within British politics over how criticism of Israel intersects with accusations of anti-Semitism. Polanski’s remarks highlight the complex debates about pro-Palestinian activism, free speech, and the boundaries of acceptable political discourse in relation to Jewish communities in the UK.