Full Breakdown
Hackney Council Moves to End Twinning with Israeli City Haifa
7/30/2026, 6:19:38 AM
Core Event
On July 28 2026 the full council of the London Borough of Hackney voted by a show of hands to begin the formal process of terminating its twinning agreement with Haifa, Israel. The motion, a key pledge of the Green Party’s May 2026 election platform, was carried after the Greens secured 42 of the council’s 57 seats.
Background & Context
The partnership historically included cultural exchanges and a medical link between Homerton University Hospital and Haifa’s Rambam Medical Centre. The council notes the arrangement has been “dormant” since the COVID-19 pandemic and that no twinning activity will occur while the Gaza conflict continues. The 2023-24 Gaza war and the International Court of Justice’s findings prompted renewed calls from the Hackney Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and other pro-Palestinian groups to end the relationship.
Key Figures & Groups
- Zoë Garbett – Green mayor of Hackney.
- Sam Mathys – Council cabinet member leading the new cross-party Twinning Working Group.
- Phil Rosenberg – President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, criticising the motion.
- Luke Akehurst – Former Hackney councillor and Labour MP, opposing the proposal.
- Hackney Palestine Solidarity Campaign – Pro-Palestinian advocacy group that welcomed the vote.
Data & Statistics
- Hackney’s 2021 census recorded 6.7 % of residents as Jewish, a figure the council says likely under-counts children.
- Haifa’s population includes 15-20 % Arab residents, according to council-cited sources.
- The Green Party holds 42 seats; Labour holds nine; the remaining seats are split among Conservatives and independents.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Garbett said the council must ensure its international links “reflect our shared core values” and cited a UN commission’s conclusion that Israel’s actions in Gaza could constitute genocide. Council documents state the partnership will be reviewed through a public engagement exercise and an equalities impact assessment before the mayor writes to Haifa’s mayor, Yona Yahav, for comment. The Twinning Working Group, chaired by Mathys, will examine all five of Hackney’s twinning arrangements and report back on January 28 2027.
Criticism & Opposition
Phil Rosenberg described the motion as “spite over sense,” arguing that Haifa is a “mixed city” with a progressive mayor. Luke Akehurst argued the twinning reflects long-standing family and community links and highlighted Haifa’s reputation for Jewish-Arab coexistence. Conservative councillor Simche Steinberger warned the decision could alienate Hackney’s Jewish community.
On-the-Ground Reports
Pro-Palestinian activists staged demonstrations outside Hackney Town Hall, with a few dozen anti-Israel protesters present during the council meeting. An incident captured on video showed a demonstrator throwing an egg at a reporter. Petition drives and public rallies have gathered thousands of signatures calling for termination of the twinning.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Occupation status: Council statements claim Haifa functions as a “primary state naval facility” and is implicated in alleged apartheid policies, while a JNS report notes that under international law Haifa is not considered occupied.
- Genocide allegation: The council cites a UN commission’s finding of “plausible” genocide, whereas other sources describe the body as “disputed.”
- Activity level: Council documents label the partnership “inactive” since 2019, yet former councillors point to medical exchanges that continued at least until that year.
What’s Next
The council will issue a formal letter to Mayor Yahav, commence a three-month public consultation, and complete an equalities impact assessment. The six-member Twinning Working Group is scheduled to present its recommendations on January 28 2027, after which full council will vote on whether to formally terminate the 1968 agreement.
