In a separate interview on CBS’s “This Morning” on Monday, the Arizona senator pressed for a no-fly zone.

“I’d like to see it with cruise missiles, no boots on the ground and no overfly. The Israelis have just shown that they’re able to take out selective targets,” said McCain.

Efforts to militarily intervene or provide rebels with lethal weaponry have faced opposition from the White House, which fears those arms will fall into the hands of Islamist groups.

McCain said time was running out to help build up pro-Western elements in the opposition.