Thousands of Unexploded Bomblets Litter Northern Israel After Deadly Incident

Thousands of unexploded bomblets, remnants of cluster munitions fired by Hezbollah and Iran, are scattered across northern Israel, posing a significant danger, according to retired Brigadier General Tzvika Haimovitch. This warning comes one day after a tragic incident in the Upper Galilee where a 14-year-old student was killed and 23 others were injured when a bomblet detonated during a school trip. Haimovitch, former commander of the air defense array, explained to N12 that cluster munitions are designed to release numerous smaller explosives over a wide area, and many fail to detonate upon impact, becoming deadly hazards.

Hezbollah and Iran have used cluster munitions in recent conflicts, with Hezbollah employing them in previous wars as well. These weapons disperse dozens of submunitions, creating a large impact radius. The dispersal pattern varies based on the munition type, launch range, and altitude. Haimovitch noted that Hezbollah typically fires at lower altitudes, while Iran launches from much higher elevations.

The danger from these unexploded bomblets, or "duds," persists long after they are fired. Haimovitch stated that each dud is a potential bomb, capable of detonating upon contact, movement, or even being driven over. The recent incident involved a bomblet that detonated when a student picked it up and placed it in his backpack, causing severe injuries. Students reported encountering several duds during the trip, not just the one that exploded.

Following the disaster, the IDF began searching the area and has already located additional bomblets. The Northern Command estimates that thousands of duds remain scattered across northern Israel from the recent war, primarily from Hezbollah launches. Haimovitch warned that the threat is not confined to the north, estimating that many such unexploded munitions are also present in open areas across the country, including the south and center.

Given the extensive firing and wide dispersal, clearing all potentially affected areas is deemed unrealistic. Haimovitch stressed that any area not cleared should be treated with extreme caution as if it contains unexploded ordnance. In response to the tragedy, the Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch, is considering a temporary halt to school trips in the north. The public is advised not to touch or move any suspicious objects, to move away from the area, and to immediately report findings to the police. When on trips, it is crucial to stay on marked trails, especially in areas that saw combat.