In brief
Evidence suggests the missile struck a populated area in central Israel but caused no casualties.
In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli military has accused Iran of launching a missile equipped with cluster munitions against central Israel. This marks the first reported use of such controversial weapons in the current warfare. The missile reportedly struck the area of Or Yehuda, with no casualties or injuries confirmed.According to military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the missile attack involved bomblets—smaller explosive devices known for their potential to inflict widespread harm. Cluster munitions are banned by over 100 countries due to their high risk to civilian populations, though neither Iran nor Israel has ratified the ban.Further analysis from military experts indicates that the explosive device in question matches the type of munitions used by Iran since 2014. Video evidence shows an unexploded bomblet at an apartment building in Or Yehuda. Researchers argue that while the accuracy of such missiles may be less, wide dispersal can be effective against less fortified targets, like missile-defense systems.
