Schneider and Coghill Clash Over Israel-Gaza Conflict

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider and Democratic primary opponent Morgan Coghill debate whether Israel's actions constitute war or genocide.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider and Democratic primary opponent Morgan Coghill are divided on Israel's military action in Gaza, with Schneider calling it a war started by Hamas and Coghill accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian people. The issue has become a wedge in the primary race for Illinois' 10th Congressional District.

Why it matters

The debate over whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute war or genocide highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic party on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The outcome of this primary race could influence U.S. policy towards the region.

The details

Schneider, who chairs the centrist New Democrat Coalition, calls himself a Zionist who believes in the Jewish people's right to a state in their historical homeland. However, he has also criticized Israel's policies on settlements and settler violence. Coghill, a business owner, has called for an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel amid the country's response to Hamas' October 2023 terrorist attacks, which he describes as a "genocide" and "slaughter" rather than a war.

  • On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched terrorist attacks against Israel.
  • The current conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

The players

Brad Schneider

U.S. Representative for Illinois' 10th Congressional District and chair of the centrist New Democrat Coalition.

Morgan Coghill

Democratic primary opponent of Brad Schneider and business owner from Mundelein, Illinois.

Hamas

A Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organization and political party.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

The military forces of the State of Israel.

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What they’re saying

“Israel is not perfect. Whether terrorism is coming from Palestinians or Israelis, it's terrorism, and it's a threat to peace, and we need to stand up against it.”

— Brad Schneider, U.S. Representative (Daily Herald)

“They're committing a genocide. It's plain and simple. It's on all of our TVs now. The people of Gaza are not Hamas, and collective punishment is not allowed under international, Israeli or U.S. law.”

— Morgan Coghill, Democratic primary opponent (Daily Herald)

“The war in Gaza started on Oct. 7 when Hamas invaded with genocidal intent to kill every Jew they could find. Was Israel perfect? 100% not. Was I critical? 100% yes. Do I believe that Israelis and Palestinians have to find a way to live together? Absolutely. But will I ever turn my back on Israel's security and the Jewish state? Never in a million years.”

— Brad Schneider, U.S. Representative (Daily Herald)

“Hamas might have approached Israel on Oct. 7 with genocidal intent, but the (Israel Defense Forces) has answered with genocidal results. How many October sevenths have happened to the Palestinians since Oct. 7 as revenge for that? How many people are still dying every day: kids, journalists, people who just approach the yellow line? These aren't Hamas terrorists.”

— Morgan Coghill, Democratic primary opponent (Daily Herald)

What’s next

The candidates will meet again at 7 p.m. Thursday for a virtual forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lake County. The primary election is scheduled for March 17.

The takeaway

The debate between Schneider and Coghill over whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute war or genocide highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic party on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The outcome of this primary race could influence U.S. policy towards the region.