U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican long regarded as staunchly pro-Israel and co-chair of the Congressional Helsinki Commission, publicly urged Israel to halt its ongoing air campaign in Syria, calling the strikes "unnecessary" and "suicidal" for Israel’s security. Wilson said the bombing raids serve only to advance the interests of Iran, the Chinese Communist Party and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he backed former President Donald Trump’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in Syria. The lawmaker also demanded accountability for sectarian crimes committed during the conflict. The remarks mark an unusual rebuke of Israeli military policy from a senior Republican known for his support of the U.S.–Israel alliance and add to growing calls in Washington and European capitals for Israel to scale back operations that risk broadening the regional war.