Corbyn ‘capitulated’ over antisemitism, claims Zarah Sultana after launch of new party

But, in an interview with the New Left Review, Sultana criticised her close ally for “capitulating” in relation to the crisis.

Asked how Corbyn’s experience as leader could help the new party today, she said: “I think we’re in a very different political moment. We have to build on the strengths of Corbynism – its energy, mass appeal and bold policy platform – and we also have to recognise its limitations.

“It capitulated to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which famously equates it with anti-Zionism and which even its lead author Kenneth Stern has now publicly criticised.”

She also referred to Israel as a “genocidal apartheid state” and called for a total arms embargo on the Jewish State.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition has been accepted by the UK government as its official definition of antisemitism. Among the examples of modern antisemitism listed in the definition is “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, such as by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour”. Another example listed is “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis”.

Anti-Zionist activists have claimed that these provisions can lead to legitimate criticism of Israel being stifled by labelling them as antisemitic.

However, Board of Deputies Vice President Andrew Gilbert hit back as Sultana’s remarks, calling them a “grave insult” to the Jewish community.

“The IHRA definition has been adopted by the government and public institutions in this country and around the world, and is supported by the overwhelming majority of British Jews as it is clear and measured in defining antisemitism,” he said.

"Calling the recognition of the IHRA definition of anti-semitism a ‘capitulation’ is a grave insult.

“Those who seek to delegitimise and mis-define the IHRA definition in this way prove themselves to be no friend to the Jewish community and also call into question their wider commitment to anti-racism, the wellbeing of the Jewish community and social cohesion.”

Likewise, Alex Hearn, director of Labour Against Antisemitism, said: “Zarah Sultana has fundamentally misrepresented the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

“There should be no place in a mainstream political party for the likes of Ms Sultana, and it is surprising that the Labour Party tolerated her for so long.

“Hopefully she will remain on the fringes of politics for the remainder of her career.”