In the midst of a primary challenge, freshman Democrat Rep. Summer Lee has found herself at the center of a heated debate over her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lee's opponent has characterized her as extreme on foreign policy, while Lee has been vocal in her criticism of Israel's military response to recent attacks by Hamas militants.

At the outset, Lee's position on the conflict set her apart from many in her party. However, as Israel continued its retaliatory assault on Gaza, public opinion among Democrats began to shift. According to a recent Gallup poll, approval of Israel's military actions dropped from 36 percent in November to 18 percent in March.

In Lee's community of Pittsburgh, which tragically witnessed the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history at the Tree of Life synagogue, some residents have come to support her stance on the conflict. Annie Weidman, a voter in the district, acknowledged that Lee had initially made some missteps with the Jewish community but noted that she now understands Lee's position of advocating for the Palestinian people.

Since October, approximately 34,000 Palestinians, including 13,000 children, have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Despite this, the House of Representatives recently approved a new tranche of aid for Israel, causing dissent among Democrats, including Lee. Prominent Democratic leaders like President Biden and Sen. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer have also sharpened their criticism of the Israeli government in recent weeks.

Usamah Andrabi, the communications director for Justice Democrats, which supports Lee's reelection campaign, stated that the shift in Democratic politicians aligning with voters is indicative of changing perspectives on the conflict.

While both Lee and her opponent, Bhavini Patel, downplay the war as the primary focus of the election, voters in the district consistently bring up their thoughts on the topic. Lawn signs in the district juxtapose Patel's name with messages like "we stand with Israel."

Outside groups, including Democratic Majority for Israel and an AIPAC-affiliated PAC, had previously spent heavily in an attempt to defeat Lee in her previous bid for the seat. However, campaign finance filings show that they have not intervened in this year's primary.

Instead, the Moderate PAC, backed by Republican megadonor Jeffrey Yass, has entered the race, airing television ads attacking Lee for allegedly opposing Biden's policies. Patel has denounced the involvement of Yass, while Lee and her supporters have sought to make the billionaire's involvement a liability for Patel.

Religion also plays a significant role in this election, with Pittsburgh's politically active and sizable Jewish community expressing strong opinions about the candidates. Last fall, 40 Pittsburgh rabbis and cantors wrote an open letter denouncing Lee for voting against a resolution supporting Israel and condemning Hamas. In response, Lee's supporters argue that she is not exempt from addressing human rights abuses and crimes against humanity, even as an American Jew.

As the primary approaches, Lee's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a topic of intense debate. Voters in the district will have the opportunity to express their views on Tuesday, as they weigh the candidates' positions on this and other issues.