A significant political controversy is currently surrounding the Green Party. This political controversyinvolves its deputy leader, Mothin Ali. He is defending his comments about a Leeds-based rabbi. Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch serves as an Israeli Defence Force reservist. Consequently, Rabbi Deutsch left his home earlier this year. He did so after receiving numerous threats. He believes Ali played a key role in this situation. Ali’s social media posts allegedly amplified the attacks against him.
Now, Green leader Zach Polanski faces mounting pressure. Many are urging him to take disciplinary action. However, Polanski is firmly standing by his deputy. This internal support further fuels the public political controversy. Recently, Ali spoke with the BBC about the issue. He specifically called for police investigations into Rabbi Deutsch. Furthermore, he said police should investigate “anyone who participates in a genocide.”
Ali also addressed a recent tragic event. Two Jewish people died in a Manchester synagogue attack. He described this event as “an absolute tragedy.” Also, he expressed his full solidarity with the Jewish community. He emphasized the need for unity during difficult times.
The situation began unfolding last September. The Times newspaper initially reported the story. Rabbi Deutsch left his home in Leeds. He acted on advice from West Yorkshire police. A deluge of threats prompted this move. The rabbi connects these threats directly to his IDF service. He publicly blamed Councillor Ali for the situation. He said Ali’s online posts were a primary cause.
Reportedly, Rabbi Deutsch worked as a student chaplain. He served at Leeds University. Then, the Hamas attacks on October 7th occurred. Following this, Israel called him up for military duty. As an Israeli citizen, he was an IDF reservist. His role involved guarding food and ammunition convoys. These convoys entered the Gaza Strip.
Ali posted a video on social media about the rabbi. His account is now private. In the video, he made strong statements. He referred to Rabbi Deutsch as an “animal.” He questioned the university’s protection of students. Moreover, he said, “You should be protecting students from this kind of animal.” He then suggested the rabbi could be a danger locally. Also, he asked, “If he’s willing to kill people over there, how do you know he’s not going to kill your students over here?”
He did not dispute its content. Instead, he reiterated his position forcefully. He said, “I think anyone who participates in a genocide is a danger.” Furthermore, he added that such people should be investigated by police. He also made a broader point about British freedoms. He stated, “I don’t believe that British people should be able to go into a foreign state and participate in genocide.”
Additionally, Ali addressed another social media post. This post was from the day after the October 7th attacks. In it, he wrote that “indigenous people have the right to fight back.” He also called for an end to “white supremacist European settler colonialism.” Also, he has since apologized for this post’s “short sightedness.”
He argued it was about principles enshrined in international law. He insisted it was not directly linked to that day’s events. Ali is defending his overall position. He notes that Green Party members elected him. More than 5,000 members placed their trust in him. He says they recognize his work for the entire community.
Therefore, he commented on the media’s role. He said politicians must communicate responsibly. However, he also said the media shares this responsibility. However, he warned against conflating issues. He stressed that events in Israel are separate from British Jews. He called that conflation irresponsible. Finally, he reiterated the need for solidarity. He expressed solidarity with all marginalized communities in Britain.
Ali became a councillor in May 2024. His victory speech immediately generated headlines. He labelled his election a “win for the people of Gaza.” He then shouted “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is the greatest.” This action set the stage for the ongoing political controversy he leads today.
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