WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – Conservative commentator Larry O’Connor sharply criticized Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., on Tuesday over the congressman’s long-standing opposition to U.S. support for Israel, framing it as inconsistent with professed support for the Jewish people.

“I guess what Thomas Massie is saying here is ‘I’m anti-Zionist, but I’m not anti-Semitic.’ Ok, that’s fine. ‘I like Jewish people. They just can’t have their own country,’” O’Connor said, according to a post by Townhall.

Massie, who faces a competitive Republican primary Tuesday in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, has repeatedly criticized U.S. military aid to Israel and pro-Israel lobbying efforts. He has described the relationship as one-sided and opposed offensive weapons transfers amid Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups.

The race has drawn record spending, much of it from pro-Israel groups and donors seeking to defeat Massie, whom they view as insufficiently supportive of the Jewish state’s right to defend itself.

O’Connor’s remarks highlight a common critique from pro-Israel conservatives: that distinguishing between anti-Zionism and antisemitism often masks opposition to Israel’s existence as a Jewish homeland. Zionism refers to the movement supporting a Jewish national homeland in Israel, established in 1948 after the Holocaust.

Massie has denied antisemitism charges, emphasizing his support for Israel’s defensive capabilities while opposing what he calls unconditional aid and foreign influence in U.S. elections. He has highlighted spending by groups like AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition in his race.

The exchange comes as Israel continues to face threats from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, with strong bipartisan support in Congress for the alliance viewed by many as vital to U.S. national security interests in the Middle East.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments in the Kentucky primary and reactions from the Jewish community.