Report: Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies evacuating Syrian positions in anticipation of Israeli strike

Hezbollah and other pro-Iran proxy forces are evacuating positions in southern Syria and within the capital of Damascus in anticipation of an IDF strike retaliating for the massacre in Majdal Shams, according to a report today (Sunday) by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Pro-Iranian Syrian and non-Syrian groups are reportedly evacuating the Sayyeda Zeinab area in southern Damascus, while Hezbollah forces are similarly evacuating the western Qalamoun area in the Damascus countryside.

Lebanese channel LBC is reporting American and Lebanese diplomats saying that Israel is dead-set on a ground operation into Lebanon following the fatal attack on Majdal Shams by Hezbollah, according to Kann 11 reporter Roi Kais.

The diplomats are now working hard to try and minimize or contain the size of the planned Israeli offensive, with the hope of not triggering a Hezbollah response which would lead to all out war.

Prime Minister Netanyahu returned earlier today to confer with his security cabinet as to the appropriate steps to take following Majdal Shams, and Israel's ultimate decision is expected to be taken later today.