Congressman Mike Lawler is calling on Democratic challenger Cait Conley to clarify what he says are contradictory statements regarding U.S. military aid to Israel, arguing that voters in New York’s 17th Congressional District deserve a clear answer on an issue of critical importance.

The criticism follows comments by Conley indicating that she would have voted in favor of a $3.3 billion military aid package for Israel while also describing that same vote as “shameful.”

Lawler’s campaign contends those two positions are incompatible and accused Conley of attempting to appeal to both pro-Israel voters and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

The campaign also criticized Conley for declining to directly address the position of Congressman Pat Ryan, who endorsed her campaign earlier this year and campaigned alongside her last month. Ryan has come under criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats after voting in favor of a measure to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel. Notably, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, calling it overly broad and urging Democrats to vote against it.

“Cait Conley’s embarrassing attempt to have her cake and eat it too on such a critical issue to the 17th Congressional District and its large Jewish population not only insults people’s intelligence, but reveals a candidate completely lacking in conviction, credibility, and seriousness,” said Lawler campaign manager Ciro Riccardi. “Jewish voters and people in both parties who support Israel won’t let her get away with this two-faced garbage, and the press shouldn’t either.”

The Lawler campaign is urging Conley to publicly clarify her position on military aid to Israel, arguing that voters deserve a straightforward explanation of where she stands.

Conley has not publicly responded to the Lawler campaign’s latest criticism.

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