Several reports this morning cover threats of retaliation made by Syrian and Iranian officials following an alleged Israeli airstrike on Wednesday against a Syrian convoy of advanced weaponry most likely destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Times, Guardian, Daily Mail, Independent, Financial Times, Independent i and Metro all report Syria’s threat of a “surprise” response, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister’s warning of “grave consequences” and criticism of Israel by Hezbollah. The Daily Mirror and Evening Standard focus on a statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which said that if verified, Israel’s strike constitutes an “unacceptable” infringement of UN charters. Opinion among commentators cited in the reports is divided, but most assess that there is little appetite to escalate violence in the region. Editorials in the Telegraph and Independent also provide commentary on the situation.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph, Guardian, Independent i and online editions of the Financial Times, BBC, Daily Express and Independent cover a report on the impact of Israeli settlements released yesterday by a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) appointed panel. Due to the UNHRC’s perceived one-sidedness, Israel did not cooperate with the probe, which was set up in March. The resulting report calls on Israel to cease settlement activity and panel members suggested that failure to do so could leave Israel answerable to the International Criminal Court. All reports quote an Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman who described the report as “counterproductive” and called for a resumption of direct negotiations with the Palestinians. The online editions of the Guardian and Daily Mail also report on Israel’s recent decision not to cooperate with a UNHRC review of the country’s human rights record, due to the body’s record of hostility towards Israel.

The Financial Times, Independent and online editions of the Telegraph, Daily Express and BBC report that Iran has sent a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) informing them of a substantial development of centrifuges at the Natanz plant. This will enable Iran to refine uranium more quickly and is described by diplomats and experts quoted in the articles as a significant expansion of Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Independent and online editions of the Telegraph, Guardian and Financial Times cover the Senate confirmation hearing of US Defence Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel which took place yesterday. Hagel faced tough questioning, particularly from John McCain on a range of subjects, including Israel, Iran and Iraq. Meanwhile, the Economist includes a profile of Yair Lapid, the leader of Yesh Atid, recently elected as the second largest party in the Knesset, while the Daily Express provides a brief comment on Israel’s electoral system, which Frederick Forsyth describes as “a dog’s dinner of a system.”

Most Israeli dailies lead with the fallout from Wednesday’s apparent air strike in Syria, which some say targeted a weapons convoy most likely destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon and others a military research site near Damascus. Maariv and Sof Hashavua focus on retaliatory comments made yesterday by Iranian officials, which alluded to a threat to attack Tel Aviv. Israel Hayom reports that the United States has warned Syria against transferring arms to Hezbollah, while Yediot Ahronot reports that Israel’s northern command is on a state of alert. However, the report also notes that Israel’s Defence Minister Ehud Barak travelled to a conference in Germany, indicating that no immediate escalation is expected.

The other major story is the ongoing talks and meetings ahead of formal coalition negotiations. Yediot Ahronot reports that Yisrael Beitenu head Avigdor Lieberman met yesterday with Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett, while Maariv analyses the expected portfolio demands and policy positions of each party with coalition ambitions. Israel Hayom and Israel Radio News suggest that President Shimon Peres will summon Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night and invite him to form the next government.