AIPAC targets Republican Israel critic in rare GOP primary play

• The ad buy was first reported by Jewish Insider,

State of play: Hostettler, a hardcore conservative who served in Congress from 1995 to 2007, is running in Indiana's 8th district to succeed retiring Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.).

• One of just a half dozen House Republicans who voted against the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Hostettler posited in his self-published book that the war was an effort to benefit Israel.
• Hostettler is one of eight Republicans running for the safely GOP seat, including former Indiana State Senate Majority Leader Mark Messmer.

What they're saying: "Hostettler was one of the most anti-Israel members of Congress while he served," UDP spokesperson Patrick Dorton told Axios.

• "Our number one goal is to prevent detractors of the U.S.-Israel relationship from being elected to Congress."

• Hostettler's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zoom in: The 30-second ad hits Hostettler for voting against a 2000 resolution expressing support for Israel and condemning Palestinian leaders over the violence of the second Intifada.

• It also cites his numerous votes against providing military aid to Israel.
• "With Israel under attack, we can't send John Hostettler to Congress," the ad says.