Why Zack Polanski has been banned from Israel

This Is Why · Oct 5, 2026 · 22m

Green party members have backed a motion that “Zionism is racism” at their party conference.

It has exposed deep divisions within the party’s membership - with many long-time members saying they are considering leaving - and within the leadership. Four of the party's five MPs opposed it, and leader Zack Polanski put forward amendments to the motion that were later rejected.

Israel has responded by banning Polanski, who is himself Jewish, from entering the country.

Niall Paterson spoke to the chair of Jewish Greens and long-time party member Vivien Lichtenstein, who has marched against the…