Syria Iran Russia and Israel are on high alert

What the consequences of such a Western led attack would be are unknown, but presumably the risks have been calculated.  Almost certainly, Hezbollah, egged on by Iran, will launch a series of rockets from south Lebanon against Israel.

Israel is reported this morning to have all its missile intercept systems, short, medium and long range, on high alert but if it is struck by rockets from Lebanon or Syria it will inevitably strike back.

Russia’s likely reaction is as yet unknown but there have been suggestions that they could set in motion a limited attack on US ally, Saudi Arabia.

Erring on the side of caution though Russia is reported to have evacuated 100 personnel from Syria with 2 planes in the last 48 hours flying from Latakia airport near the Mediterranean coast. There are additionally unconfirmed reports that the Syrian elite are sending their families across the border into Lebanon.