Israel caucus co-chair slams Israeli strikes in Syria, calling them ‘suicidal’

A veteran US lawmaker and staunch supporter of Israel has criticized the repeated Israeli strikes on Syria, calling them “suicidal” and counterproductive to regional stability.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, co-chair of the Israel Caucus in the US House of Representatives, voiced rare and direct opposition to Israel’s recent military actions for the third day in a row on Friday.

“Israel’s strikes on Syria are suicidal. The real enemy is Tehran. Israel and Syria should work together. President Trump will de-escalate the situation,” Wilson said in a post on X.

In a phone call with Al Arabiya English on Friday evening, Wilson revealed that he had a “very lengthy” conversation with Israel’s ambassador to Washington to express his concerns over this week’s airstrikes on Syria’s southern Sweida province, the Defense Ministry, and areas near the Presidential Palace in Damascus.

While reaffirming his appreciation for Israel and support for its security, Wilson emphasized the broader goal of achieving stability in the Middle East.

“I also have an appreciation for the entire region… because I want stability in the Middle East to benefit all the countries involved, and that’s probably most beneficial to Israel itself,” he said.

A day earlier, Wilson called for an immediate halt to the deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters in Sweida.

Israel conducted multiple airstrikes on Syrian government forces that entered Sweida, claiming it was doing so to protect the Druze minority.

On Wednesday, Wilson described the Israeli strikes as “unnecessary” and again labeled them “suicidal for Israel.”

When asked why he believed the Israeli strikes in Damascus and Sweida were misguided, Wilson pointed to statements by US President Donald Trump and his decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

“Give the new government of Syria a chance,” Wilson said, echoing Trump’s position.

He argued that a strong, inclusive Syrian government was critical to protecting all citizens, including rival factions like the Druze and Bedouins.

“And the way to do that is to have a very stable government in Damascus, which can benefit all, and an inclusive government. And that’s what al-Sharaa has been so courageously attempting to do,” Wilson added.

Wilson also praised Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their efforts to stabilize Syria and promote a regional balance.

Warning on US support for Israel

Wilson’s vocal criticism comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over unconditional US support for Israel, especially following the war in Gaza.

Asked whether continued Israeli strikes could erode US support, Wilson responded: “Indeed, it plays right into the hands of people who don’t like Israel.”

While reiterating that he would “always support Israel,” he warned of a rising tide in both political parties calling for reduced foreign assistance.

“So, this is not a good time in history in America to test the loyalty of America to our allies. And it’s not just Israel; it’s really all of our allies,” Wilson said, referring to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the isolationist camp of the Republican Party. “We have isolationists who oppose any conduct overseas. And so, it’s not directed necessarily at Israel; they’re against everything.”

Iranian and Russian influence

According to Wilson, Israel stands to benefit most from a stable Syria, which could help prevent the resurgence of ISIS and other extremist groups.

Iran and its proxies also lost a major stronghold after the fall of the Assad regime, as did Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas. Russia also lost several bases across Syria, especially along the Mediterranean coast.

Wilson asserted that Syria’s new leadership is “making every effort” to curb Iranian influence, which he called “destructive to regional stability.”

As for Moscow, Wilson said, “Russia still has bases in Syria that need to be addressed.”