Military also declares 'special situation' on home front in anticipation of retaliatory rocket attacks; Gaza officials say high-profile PIJ commander killed in strike in Gaza City; Islamic Jihad and Hamas both vow strong response

PM says military action aimed at 'removing tangible threat on citizens of the State of Israel and Gaza border communities' after four days of simmering tensions along the southern border

Rocket alert sirens ring out in most southern and central communities, including Tel Aviv, as Islamic Jihad launch their retaliation over Israel's killing of terror group's army chief; terror group says it fired 100 rockets; Gantz approves mobilization of 25,000 reservists