A rocket flies in the sky, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024 REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Tel Aviv, March 18, 2026: An Iranian ballistic missile equipped with a suspected cluster bomb warhead struck central Israel, raising serious concerns over the escalation of the ongoing conflict.
Cluster Bomb Missile Targets Central Israel
According to reports, the missile dispersed multiple submunitions over a wide area. These explosives spread across several locations, causing damage to infrastructure.
Cluster munitions release smaller bombs over a radius of up to 10 km. As a result, they increase the risk to civilians and property.
Notably, international conventions restrict the use of such weapons. However, countries like Israel, Iran, and the United States are not signatories to the 2008 treaty.
Damage Reported, Emergency Teams Respond
Meanwhile, emergency services responded quickly to multiple impact sites across central Israel.
Authorities confirmed:
- Damage to roads and infrastructure
- Several locations affected by submunitions
- No immediate injuries reported initially
Police teams secured affected areas to prevent further risk from unexploded ordnance.
Casualties Confirmed in Later Updates
However, later reports confirmed casualties in the attack.
Medical teams from Magen David Adom reported:
- Two people killed in Ramat Gan
- Victims suffered severe shrapnel injuries
- One person injured in Bnei Brak
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
In response, Israel’s Home Front Command urged residents to follow safety guidelines. Officials emphasized that alerts and protective measures continue to save lives.
Later, authorities allowed people to leave shelters but advised caution and avoidance of crowded areas.
IDF Continues Military Operations
At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations across the region.
Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon under Operation “Roaring Lion.”
Officials stated that these strikes aim to:
- Destroy rocket launchers
- Eliminate militant operatives
- Prevent further attacks on Israeli territory
US Military Steps Up Involvement
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command confirmed ongoing operations against Iranian military assets.
US forces carried out strikes using heavy bunker-busting munitions targeting missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally:
- Over 6,000 combat flights conducted
- Focus on missiles, drones, and naval threats
- Operations aim to secure international shipping routes
Rising Regional Tensions
Overall, the use of cluster-type munitions marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to rise, with growing involvement from global powers.
