And if they can’t catch that aircraft?
You think Russia just says, “Oh well...”, and lets it go at that?
Would Israel let it go if Russia did intercept their aircraft?
Even if this didn’t turn into a massive confrontation at the moment, the two would be bitter enemies from that moment on.
We have a very vital interest in what is happening in Syria.
A shrewd political move (now that the US has been out flanked) would be to cooperate with the Russians AND Assad in the destruction of ISIS.
That gives us political leverage to demand Russia leave when the deed is done.