Mike Baker

It's Thursday, the 22nd of January.

Welcome to the BDB Afternoon Bulletin.

I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage.

All right, let's get briefed.

First up, Israel raises readiness across its military, operating under the assumption that Iran may strike at any time.

The IDF and Israeli government are preparing for multiple scenarios.

I'll have the details.

Later in the show, China ramps up covert operations against Taiwan, with new reporting revealing just how compromised the island's military may be.

But first, today's afternoon spotlight.

Today, as Israel braces for a possible Iranian strike, the country's military is mobilizing for action.

Israeli defense officials now say they are operating under the assumption that Iran may attempt an attack, and the country's military posture reflects that expectation.

Across Israel, readiness levels have been raised, forces repositioned, and commanders are openly signaling that the country is prepared for multiple scenarios, both defensive and offensive.

At the center of those preparations is the Israel Defense Forces, the IDF, which says it's ready to act against any threat on any front.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has been touring key installations, reinforcing the message that Israeli forces are not merely on standby, but actively positioned for action.

During recent visits to air bases and home front defense commands, Zamir stressed that the military is prepared to respond quickly and decisively if Israel comes under attack.

The clearest signal of readiness may be coming from the skies.

The Israeli Air Force says it's operating at a heightened state of alert.

Air Force Commander Tomer Barr told personnel that the force is, quote, "...prepared, alert, and ready for any scenario."

That readiness includes layered missile defenses, constant aerial patrols, and long-range strike capabilities designed to reach adversaries well beyond Israel's borders.

Israel has also been reinforcing its most advanced capabilities.