Green Party leader Zack Polanski has issued a forceful demand for Britain to completely sever diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, even at the cost of sacrificing £6.2 billion in annual trade between the two nations. In a passionate address during the launch of his party's local election campaign in Deptford, south east London, Polanski condemned Israel as a 'rogue state' whose military actions in the Middle East resemble 'terror acts'.
Call for Sanctions and Trade Agreement Termination
Polanski explicitly called for the immediate suspension of UK-Israel diplomatic relations, the imposition of what he termed 'robust sanctions', and the cancellation of a planned trade agreement. He expressed outrage that Israel continues to benefit from international trade and diplomatic privileges despite ongoing conflicts.
'Putting a Cost on People's Lives'
When questioned about the economic consequences of cutting trade links, Polanski responded: 'I don't think we should be putting a cost on people's lives.' He referenced what he described as 'an ongoing genocide' and highlighted recent casualties in Lebanon, where he claimed 'hundreds of people' had died in the last 24 hours, along with schoolchildren in Iran.
'All by the US-Israeli military strikes jointly - is totally unacceptable,' Polanski stated, adding that Britain must 'disentangle' from countries with poor human rights records.
Middle East Ceasefire Dispute
The Green leader's demands come amid international controversy over Middle East ceasefire agreements. While US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire across the region, Israel maintains that this agreement does not extend to its conflict with Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Israel conducted what it described as its largest wave of air strikes in the Lebanese conflict, targeting over 100 command centres and military sites operated by Hezbollah, which Israel designates as a terror group. Lebanese health authorities reported at least 182 fatalities and 890 injuries from these attacks.
Regional Escalation Concerns
The situation has triggered broader regional tensions, with Iran reportedly closing the Strait of Hormuz - a crucial maritime passage handling approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies - in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged a 'legitimate misunderstanding' regarding whether ceasefire terms applied to Lebanon.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined European allies and Canada in calling for full implementation of the Middle East ceasefire, including in Lebanon. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that excluding Lebanon from ceasefire arrangements could 'destabilise the whole region'.
Green Party's Electoral Confidence
Polanski used the campaign event to express optimism about the Green Party's prospects in upcoming local elections on 7 May. 'In 2023 we had record-breaking results as a Green Party. We got over 241 new councillors,' he noted.
Despite fewer seats being contested this year compared to 2023, Polanski declared: 'I am confident, but not complacent, in this election we are going to beat 241 councillors and we are heading for a new record-breaking result for the Green Party.'
Rising Political Support
The Greens have experienced significant growth in support since Polanski, who describes himself as an 'eco-populist', assumed leadership in September last year. The latest YouGov polling indicates the party enjoys 16% voter support, placing them level with Labour though behind both the Conservatives at 19% and Reform UK at 24%.
Polanski's uncompromising stance on Israel represents a significant foreign policy challenge to the UK government, testing the balance between economic interests and human rights considerations in international relations.
