A Green-led council in London is set to end its 56-year twinning agreement with the Israeli city of Haifa, citing Israel's occupation and treatment of Palestinians. Hackney Council, which came under Green Party control in May, will vote on the proposal on Tuesday. The Greens hold 42 of the council's 57 seats, making the measure likely to pass.
The twinning, established in 1968, has faced growing opposition from Palestine solidarity groups, especially after the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign argued that maintaining ties normalised what it called racist domination. It also noted Haifa is home to Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms manufacturer.
The Greens said in a statement that Haifa does not reflect Hackney's values, as Palestinians there live under occupation and apartheid. Critics of the move include Labour councillor Michael Desmond, who called earlier demands an "appalling, abusive tirade," and Labour MP Luke Akehurst, a former Hackney councillor, who described the Greens' plan as performative and spiteful.
Campaigners have also urged the council to divest its pension fund from companies linked to Israel's military.