Announcing Operation Breaking Dawn in Gaza, IDF launches strikes on terror targets

The Israel Defense Forces has launched what it is calling Operation Dawn in the Gaza Strip, carrying out strikes on as-yet unspecified terror targets in the Strip, to counter what it says is the ongoing imminent threat of an attack by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization.

The military says a “special situation” has been declared on the homefront, as it expects the group to retaliate. Gatherings in areas up to 80 kilometers from Gaza — that means as far north as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv — are restricted, and residents in areas close to the border are instructed to remain close to bomb shelters.

Earlier Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that Israel would take action if it did not back down from its intentions to carry out attacks against the country in response to the arrest of its West Bank leader.

We will be providing you ongoing coverage of developments on the southern front.