IDF Responds to Houthi Cluster Munition Launched at Israel

Latest Developments

First Houthi Use of Cluster Warhead in Israel: An Israeli military investigation concluded that a missile launched by the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis on August 22 carried a cluster warhead — the first time the terrorist group used that form of explosive weapon against Israel. A cluster warhead breaks up in mid-air, scattering smaller, unguided sub-munitions that explode on impact to target a large area and indiscriminately threaten civilians. No casualties were reported from the attack, which Israeli air defenses failed to intercept due to a human or technical failure, although shrapnel from one munition caused slight damage to a home in the central Israeli moshav of Ginaton.
Israel Responds With Long-Range Strikes: The Israeli Air Force responded on August 24 with long-range airstrikes against targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen. Approximately one dozen jets dropped 35 munitions on four targets in the capital city of Sana’a, including a military compound near Yemen’s presidential palace, the Hizaz power plant, and fuel infrastructure — all of which were used for military activity according to the IDF. “The Houthis, backed by Iran, continue to exploit civilian infrastructure for terror purposes,” the IDF stated on X.
Houthis Undeterred as Iran Continues Weapon Shipments: Following Israel’s strikes, senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti threatened that Israeli strikes will not deter the group from continuing its belligerent actions against Israel “no matter the sacrifices, because the matter is settled for us: either immortality in Paradise or immortality in Hell.” During the past week, the Houthis have launched two ballistic missiles and at least one drone towards Israel. In June’s 12-Day War between Iran and Israel, Iran launched at least three cluster munitions toward Israeli territory. Recent seizures of weapons intended for the Houthis by the anti-Houthi Southern Transitional Council indicate that the Iranian regime continues arming its Yemeni proxy.

FDD Expert Response

“The Houthis’ use of cluster munitions is a big concern, not just because it’s a harder target to engage, but even more concerning is that it indicates the provision of increasingly challenging munitions to the Houthis. Israel’s strikes in Yemen are a justified response, aimed at degrading the Houthis’ ability to launch further attacks and demonstrating the consequences of their actions. These attacks should probably extend to the Houthis’ main supporter — Iran.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“By targeting Israel with Iranian-made cluster munitions, the Houthis have significantly escalated the conflict with the Jewish state. Unfortunately, the terror group is following the same playbook as Hamas: attempting to kill as many Israelis as possible by all means necessary, despite the cost to the Yemeni civilians in their midst.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“Iran continues to arm the Houthis for attacks against Israel after the end of the direct conflict between Jerusalem and Tehran. Israeli strikes against Houthi infrastructure are a necessary but insufficient response. These airstrikes have had real consequences for the Houthis, for example, damage to Hodeidah port has complicated weapons smuggling efforts. However, the Islamic Republic also needs to be held accountable for the terrorism it enables across the region.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst