TEL-AVIV, October 8. /TASS/. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant resolved to extend the special situation zone over the entire territory of the country late on Saturday, his press service said.

Earlier, the "special situation" was declared in the central part of Israel and in the country’s south, within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.

"Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has extended the special security situation [zone]. From now on, this status is assigned to the entire territory of Israel," the defense ministry’s press service said.

"It will allow the Israeli Defense Fores to issue security instructions to citizens and close off public areas in accordance with security needs," the statement says.

Early on Saturday morning, rocket attacks were launched at Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Alarm signals have sounded continuously since 06:28 a.m. Moscow time in many localities across the country, including the Tel Aviv area and its environs. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they were launching Operation 'Iron Swords' in retaliation for the attack, coming from the Palestinian exclave.

Under these circumstances, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved a call-up of reservists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was "at war" and was determined to win it. "The enemy will pay an unprecedented price," he added.