A heated debate over Israel has become a central dividing line in the Democratic primary between U.S.Rep.Dan Goldman and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in a closely watched Manhattan-Brooklyn congressional district.

Both candidates are Jewish Democrats, but they differ in tone and emphasis on Israel-related policy, particularly amid rising progressive criticism of U.S.support for the Israeli government.Goldman describes himself as a “progressive Zionist,” emphasizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and advocating for a two-state solution.He has defended his voting record supporting U.S.military aid to Israel and pushed back against what he calls overly broad criticism of pro-Israel advocacy groups such as AIPAC, though he has also said he returned contributions linked to the organization.

Lander, meanwhile, has positioned himself as more critical of Israeli government policy, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank are incompatible with democratic and Jewish values.

He has accused Goldman of being too closely aligned with establishment political and financial networks and has embraced progressive critiques of AIPAC and U.S.foreign policy.

During a candidate forum, Lander escalated his language by referring to Israel’s conduct in Gaza as “genocide,” while Goldman urged caution about legal terminology and emphasized diplomatic pathways toward a two-state solution.

The candidates also disagreed on legislation such as the “Block the Bombs Act,” which seeks to restrict military aid to Israel under certain conditions.

Goldman suggested the bill is unlikely to advance and argued existing law already addresses international human rights concerns, while still calling for accountability for Israeli leadership.

Polling in the district shows Lander holding a significant lead, and he has secured endorsements from progressive figures and organizations, while Goldman is backed by establishment Democrats and labor unions.The Israel debate has become a defining issue in an otherwise crowded primary landscape.