Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

IDF spokesman: Iran using cluster bombs against civilian centers

“Cluster weapons are designed to disperse over a large area and maximize the chances of a harmful strike,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.

Zaka Beit Shemesh
An Iranian missile scored a direct hit on a building in Beit Shemesh, resulting in numerous deaths, March 1, 2026. Credit: ZAKA.

The IDF’s international spokesperson condemned the Iranian regime for targeting civilians after a missile strike on the city of Beit Shemesh killed nine on Monday.

“Since the beginning of ‘Operation Roaring Lion’ the Iranian regime has been targeting civilians. We know that this is their strategy,” Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani tweeted.

A young girl was reportedly one of two people seriously wounded by the direct impact.

At the same time, another missile struck a public building in Rosh Ha’ayin, lightly wounding one person.

The day before, Shoshani accused Iran of intentionally firing cluster munitions at Israeli population centers. “Cluster weapons are designed to disperse over a large area and maximize the chances of a harmful strike,” said Shoshani.

“Iran goes to great lengths in trying to maximize harm to Israeli civilians. Directing attacks at civilians is a war crime,” he said.

A woman was killed and at least 21 people were injured late on Saturday when Iranian missiles struck a Tel Aviv residential block.

Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and dozens of drones at Israel since fighting began.

Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel and surrounding Arab states hosting U.S. military facilities.

Hostilities began on Saturday morning when Israel and the U.S. launched a joint preemptive strike against Iran.

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) is the fastest-growing news agency covering Israel and the Jewish world. We provide news briefs features opinions and analysis to 100 print newspapers and digital publications on a daily basis.
The reported talks marked the first direct U.S. engagement with Hamas since the Oct. 10, 2025, ceasefire.
Beijing calls on Tehran to restore shipping through the key waterway as the U.S. enforces naval blockade and tightens sanctions pressure.
The Israeli prime minister joins roughly two dozen world leaders, including Trump, Xi Jinping and Pope Leo XIV, on Time’s 2026 list of most influential people.
Ten ships have been turned back and none has broken through since the blockade began, according to the U.S. military.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak directly with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to Israeli Cabinet minister.
Gadi Taub’s criticism of Ronen Bergman’s reporting on the Mossad’s pager operation against Hezbollah was not defamatory, a judge ruled.