War in the Mideast: Iranian cluster ballistic missiles test Israel’s defences

As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centers. While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat – the cluster ballistic missile – is testing the limits of safety.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centers.
• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat – the cluster ballistic missile – is testing the limits of safety.
• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighborhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.
• FRANCE 24’s Olivia Bizot reports.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centers.
• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat – the cluster ballistic missile – is testing the limits of safety.
• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighborhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.
• FRANCE 24’s Olivia Bizot reports.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centers.
• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat – the cluster ballistic missile – is testing the limits of safety.
• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighborhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.