JERUSALEM (November 15, 2012)--A rocket reached the southern outskirts of Tel Aviv Thursday, by far the farthest strike by Gaza militants in two days of fighting, the Israeli army said.

The military said the rocket landed in Rishon Lezion, a city just south of Tel Aviv located in heavily populated central Israel.

The rocket landed in an open area and caused no damage or injuries. Nonetheless, it illustrated the growing capabilities of Gaza militants.

The Israeli military launched an offensive on Wednesday, in large part to take out rocket launchers.

Israel's military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, said the air operation has delivered a "strong blow" to militants' launching sites.