Arabic version: ضربات الذخائر العنقودية الإيرانية تثير القلق في إسرائيل
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a series of cluster missile attacks on central Israel on March 17, 2026, in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani. The assault resulted in two fatalities in the Ramat Gan area near Tel Aviv, with additional injuries and significant property damage reported, including at a local train station. According to Al Jazeera, the couple killed were unable to reach their safe room in time, raising questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s air raid sirens.
The deployment of cluster munitions has sparked alarm in Israel, a nation previously accused of using such weapons. Uzi Rubin, a prominent figure in Israel’s missile defense program, noted that Iran’s cluster warheads can contain 20 to 30 or 70 to 80 bomblets, significantly increasing the potential for widespread destruction compared to conventional warheads. These munitions can complicate interception efforts due to their dispersal pattern upon detonation.
Iran’s missile arsenal, considered the largest and most diverse in the Middle East, includes a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles designed to enhance its air capabilities. The country has both short- and long-range missile systems, such as the Shahab-3, Emad, Ghadr-1, and Khorramshahr variants. Recent reports indicate that Iranian missiles have successfully targeted several Israeli locations, causing injuries and damage.
The unique design of cluster munitions, which release multiple explosives over a wide area, makes them particularly dangerous for civilian populations. Although not banned internationally, their use has raised humanitarian concerns, especially given that unexploded bombs can remain hazardous for years. Advocacy groups stress the risk these munitions pose, particularly to children who may be attracted to the unexploded devices. The ongoing conflict has heightened scrutiny over the implications of cluster munitions in warfare, underscoring the urgent need for discussions on their regulation and impact on civilians.
