Security sources revealed to Israel Hayom that Hezbollah fired cluster bombs at IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon earlier this week. Following this incident, the IDF conducted several strategic assessments to evaluate the continuation of operations and troop deployment.
Cluster munitions cause extensive damage over a larger area compared to conventional weapons and are considered illegitimate by many countries worldwide. Following the Second Lebanon War, an American rights organization reported that Hezbollah had launched Chinese-manufactured 122mm cluster bombs into Israeli territory during the conflict. Each bomb contained 39 submunitions and hundreds of steel pellets. The organization's representative in Israel stated that at least 100 such bombs were found in Israel.
A controversial weapon
Israel has previously faced harsh criticism for its use of cluster munitions, particularly during the Second Lebanon War. The cluster rockets used by the IDF at that time contained several hundred submunitions, which dispersed within a radius of approximately 328 feet above the target.
Israeli cluster bomb remnants continued to cause casualties in Lebanon weeks after the war. The UN reported that the dud rate of Israeli cluster munitions ranged between 20%-40%, resulting in more than 40 civilian deaths and approximately 300 injuries. Israel had previously promised to the United States, which supplied some of the cluster munitions, not to fire them into populated areas.
After the war, a committee headed by then-Military Advocate General Avichai Mendelblit determined that the IDF's use of cluster munitions complied with international law of war. However, the Winograd Commission, which investigated the Second Lebanon War events, strongly criticized the use of these munitions in population centers.
In late May 2008, more than 100 countries agreed on a convention banning the use, production, distribution, or stockpiling of cluster munitions during a diplomatic conference. Israel did not sign the convention, along with several other countries, including the United States. Nevertheless, despite criticism, reports indicated that Israel also used cluster munitions during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2009.
Meanwhile, the IDF reported Monday that Hezbollah retains less than 30% of its firepower, and since the beginning of the ground operation, approximately 1,200 operatives have been eliminated, with about 2,000 Hezbollah operatives eliminated in the past year.
According to military data, numerous Hezbollah commanders have been eliminated, including seven sector commanders (equivalent to brigade commanders), 21 sub-sector commanders (equivalent to battalion commanders), and 25 company commander equivalents and deputy battalion commanders. The military states this achievement significantly impacts the organization's field command structure.
Despite these significant achievements, the IDF emphasizes that Hezbollah maintains the capability to launch rockets at both forces and the Israeli home front. The IDF estimates that the ground operation, which began about three weeks ago, will conclude within "very few" weeks.
