Iran’s Missile Strike On Israel Raises Alarm Over Use Of Cluster Bombs. What Are They?

A missile launched by Iran towards Israel on 19 June has triggered concerns over the use of cluster bombs - a type of weapon notorious for causing severe harm to civilians.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that at least one of the missiles fired in the barrage carried a cluster bomb warhead, marking the first known instance of such weapons being used in the current conflict.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

What are cluster bombs?

Cluster bombs are designed to disperse smaller explosives, known as "submunitions", over a large area. Rather than detonating in a single blast, the main bomb opens mid-air - often at high altitude - and releases multiple smaller munitions across a wide target zone.

According to Israeli officials, during the 19 June attack, one missile's warhead exploded approximately seven kilometres above ground, scattering around 20 submunitions across an eight-kilometre radius in central Israel.

These submunitions are neither guided nor propelled; they fall freely to the ground and are intended to explode on impact.

Why are they controversial?

The main concern surrounding cluster munitions is their indiscriminate impact and the risk they pose long after conflict ends. Many submunitions fail to explode on impact, effectively turning them into unexploded ordnance that can injure or kill civilians who later come into contact with them.

"They are egregious weapons with their wide-area destruction, especially if used in a civilian populated area, and could add to the unexploded ordnance left over from conflicts," said Daryl Kimball, Executive Director of the Arms Control Association.

What damage did the 19 June strike cause?

One of the submunitions landed on a residential property in the town of Azor, central Israel, causing structural damage, The Times of Israel reported. No casualties were immediately reported.

Following the incident, Israel's Home Front Command issued a public safety warning via X (formerly Twitter), urging residents to stay vigilant.

"This morning we experienced a missile strike capable of dispersing small munitions over a relatively wide area. It is possible that some of the munitions will remain on the ground and not explode. Do not touch any fallen or suspicious objects. Immediately call 100," the advisory read.

How do cluster bombs differ from conventional missiles?

Unlike standard ballistic missiles, which detonate in a single, concentrated explosion, cluster munitions are intended to spread their damage over a much broader area.

A senior Israeli defence official told The Times of Israel that although each submunition carries less explosive power individually, the overall threat is significantly wider than that posed by Iran's other missile warheads.

This makes them especially hazardous in densely populated areas, where the munitions may strike civilians, homes, and critical infrastructure.

Are cluster munitions banned?

The use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of cluster munitions is prohibited under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty. So far, 111 countries and 12 other entities have signed the agreement.

However, several major military powers - including Iran, Israel, and the United States - have refused to join.

In 2023, after much debate, the US supplied cluster munitions to Ukraine to assist in its defence against Russian aggression.

Ukraine claims that Russia, too, has deployed such weapons during the war. Like Iran and Israel, both the US and Russia have declined to sign the treaty.