b) proving that the IHRA definition is an equally fucked up way of defining anti-semitism
Labour have already included the IHRA 'definition' (which is a very generalised statement) in their code of conduct. It's the translation of the 11 IHRA 'examples' into code of conduct guidelines that is (supposedly) being argued over: some people want them included as-is, word-for-word, whereas others have pointed out that if you did this some of them wouldn't make sense in the context of a code of conduct and it is instead better to include a more detailed discussion covering the same points.
It would maybe*** be helpful if there were more actual discussion of the details of this and less focus on the "drama".
The IHRA is one page (under 600 words).
Working Definition of Antisemitism
The Labour Code of Conduct is just over 3 pages (under 2000 words).
https://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/app/uploads/2018/07/ASdoc3.pdf
The Labour Code doesn't list IHRA examples 6,7,8 & 10 (nb they are not actually numbered in the IHRA document)
6. Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
7. Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
8. Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
10. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
However...
IHRA example 6 is referred to in guideline 14
It is also wrong to accuse Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
IHRA example 7 is referred to in guideline 12
The Party is clear that the Jewish people have the same right to self-determination as any other people. To deny that right is to treat the Jewish people unequally and is therefore a form of antisemitism.
Re. IHRA example 8 ... guideline 13 includes this:
It is not racist to assess the conduct of Israel – or indeed of any other particular state or government – against the requirements of international law or the standards of behaviour expected of democratic states
Re. IHRA example 10 ... guideline 16 states:
Discourse about international politics often employs metaphors drawn from examples of historic misconduct. It is not antisemitism to criticise the conduct or policies of the Israeli state by reference to such examples unless there is evidence of antisemitic intent. Chakrabarti recommended that Labour members should resist the use of Hitler, Nazi and Holocaust metaphors, distortions and comparisons in debates about Israel-Palestine in particular. In this sensitive area, such language carries a strong risk of being regarded as prejudicial or grossly detrimental to the Party within Clause 2.I.8.
So the key points of divergence all seem to revolve around what is and isn't acceptable discourse regarding the State of Israel, a point discussed in Labour Code section 7, which concludes with
"In general terms, the expression of even contentious views in this area will not be treated as antisemitism unless accompanied by specific antisemitic content (such as the use of antisemitic tropes) or by other evidence of antisemitic intent."
The IHRA document itself states
"Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic." so the NEC would argue that their guidelines are in this spirit.
They can also point out that since the IHRA examples are introduced with the phrase:
"Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:" The Labour Code of Conduct on the other hand introduces it's '7 examples' with:
"The following are examples of conduct likely to be regarded as antisemitic."
So there is a clear difference between "...could, taking into account the overall context..." (IHRA) and "...are likely to be..." (Labour Code). The Labour Code lists the 7 examples which are more straightforward and then in sections 11. to 16. addresses examples 6,7,8 & 10 with more discussion of 'overall context'.
So from one perspective the Labour Code has, on the face of it, done a reasonable job of turning the definition, preamble and examples in the IHRA document into a coherent Code of Conduct and the criticisms that it has missed bits out aren't very convincing.
IMO if someone wants to argue for rule changes they should make the argument directly and be specific about what they want, rather than just referencing IHRA.
***On the other hand maybe the "drama" *is* the main point and the details of the Code of Conduct is the distraction? From this point of view the 'best' solution might either be whatever calms down the situation (both inside the party and with a wider public) or an outcome where one faction or another 'wins' the fight, either on policy specific to Israel or more generally re. party leadership and direction.