Mike Lawler and challenger Mondaire Jones have put N.Y.'s 17th Congressional District squarely in the national spotlight.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict exploded as a major campaign issue in a feisty debate between freshman Republican Rep. Michael Lawler and ex-Democratic Congressman Mondaire Jones Wednesday night

Former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY), a Democrat looking to reclaim his old House seat after running in New York City last cycle, is now mounting a comeback campaign against freshman Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), one of the most vulnerable House Republicans up for reelection.

Mondaire Jones and Mike Lawler are in a closely watched race for New York's 17th Congressional District, which represents all of Rockland and Putnam counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess.CBS News New York is hosting a live debate between the candidates Wednesday night in New York City.

Jones told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer he wasn’t attacking the Democratic governor in an interview reported last month.

The candidates don't agree on much, but will be pressed by viewers' questions during the hour-long debate, which starts at 8 p.m.