Images Hint Israel Used Cluster Munitions in Lebanon, Experts Say

Images of munition remnants found south of the Litani River in places like Wadi Zibqin, Wadi Barghouz and Wadi Deir Siryan appear to be the remains of two different types of Israeli cluster munitions. Six arms experts who reviewed the debris say the pieces resemble what analysts identify as the Barak Eitan 155mm cluster munition and the Ra’am Eitan 227mm variant, suggesting use during Israel's 13-month war in Lebanon.

Cluster munitions scatter many submunitions over a wide area, the size of several football fields. Experts warn that as many as 40% of submunitions may fail to explode on impact, creating a lingering civilian danger long after active fighting ends. The remnants were found in three locations near the Litani River, underscoring the potential risk to civilians who might encounter unexploded bomblets years down the line.

On the global stage, 124 states have joined the convention banning cluster munitions, though Israel is not a party to the agreement and is not bound by it. Advocates say the weapons' indiscriminate nature at the moment of use and afterwards raises serious humanitarian concerns about civilian harm.

The military has not confirmed or denied the use of cluster munitions in Lebanon. Officials say they rely on weapons that are lawful under international law, but there has been no official acknowledgement about these remnants or any ongoing inquiry.

These findings come as tensions in the region remain fragile and as aid workers warn about the long shadow of unexploded ordnance in southern Lebanon. If confirmed, the use of cluster munitions would mark a rare and controversial turn in the broader conflict and renew debates over compliance with humanitarian law in modern warfare.

Cover image source: Thirteen people killed in Israeli strike on Lebanon's Sidon, Lebanese Health Ministry says 🔗

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