‘Very difficult to stop’: BBC visits scene of Iran cluster bomb strike on Israel

Very difficult to stop

Iranian cluster bomb strike leaves lasting mark in central Israel

As night fell, an Iranian cluster bomb breached the ceiling of a residence in central Israel, detonating within a small living space and claiming the lives of an elderly couple. The aftermath revealed a clear trajectory of the weapon, etched into the ash-laden remnants of the apartment. A gaping void in the ceiling of the top-floor unit indicated the force of the impact, which propelled fragments of concrete and metal inward. Shattered wall panels across the rear marked the explosive power that obliterated the front of the dwelling, leaving it exposed to the street.

“We heard three loud detonations, but the fourth confirmed it was our home,” shared Sigal Amir, who was in a nearby shelter when the blast occurred. “A thunderous explosion followed, and I felt the shockwave in my ears.” She added that the adjacent residents, only five meters away, faced devastation as their door was torn away and their home filled with dust.

Sigal noted the couple had not taken shelter at the time of the strike, citing one’s mobility challenges. While Iranian missile attacks have historically caused minimal casualties due to Israel’s air defenses, cluster bombs pose a greater threat. These weapons scatter over wide areas, complicating interception efforts even when the missile itself is downed. Over time, Iran has increasingly relied on such munitions.

Israeli military spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani described the scene during a visit, highlighting the rocket’s entry point. “The missile traveled from Iran, breaking into multiple fragments upon impact,” he said. “We’ve observed numerous such damage points in central Israel.” He emphasized that while missiles carrying cluster bombs are often intercepted, each carries 20 to 80 projectiles, making them “very difficult to stop.”

A new alert sounded during our visit, signaling another incoming strike. Sigal guided us to her safe room, where she reflected on the toll of the conflict. “Honestly, I’m beginning to lose hope,” she admitted. “It feels endless, with no clear direction. We can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have to endure, but I’m uncertain how much longer this will continue.”

Broader implications of the ongoing war

The joint US-Israel operation, now entering its 19th day, has targeted Iran’s military installations, oil infrastructure, and other key assets. Hrana, a US-based human rights organization, reported at least 1354 civilians and 1138 military personnel killed since the conflict began. Israel claims to have destroyed over 70% of Iran’s ballistic missile systems, suggesting a decline in attacks.

Despite these advancements, the persistent missile alerts—forcing Israelis into shelters daily—have begun to stir concerns among weary citizens. The increasing use of cluster munitions, which disperse explosive fragments across a wide area, has raised questions about the war’s duration and resolution. “We can’t predict when or how this will conclude,” Sigal remarked, echoing the sentiment of many.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the war as the final phase of Israel’s struggle against regional adversaries. He praised the nation’s military dominance, claiming the conflict has reshaped the Middle East. However, the asymmetric nature of the war sees Iran leveraging US sensitivities around oil prices, civilian deaths, and the safety of Gulf allies to pressure for an end to hostilities. Meanwhile, Israel faces a second front with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group in Lebanon, which intensified its involvement after the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Lebanese health officials reported over 900 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced by Israeli operations. Recent ground incursions into southern Lebanon prompted mass evacuations, prompting US interest in potential agreements with Beirut to stabilize the situation. The war’s trajectory remains uncertain, balancing Israel’s strategic gains with growing public fatigue and regional fallout.