Aden — The Israeli Air Force has confirmed that the ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels toward central Israel on Friday carried a cluster bomb warhead, marking a significant escalation in the group’s military capabilities.

An official investigation by the Israeli military revealed that the projectile, which fragmented mid-air, was the first of its kind used by the Houthis against Israel. The missile released multiple submunitions over a wide area, one of which landed in the backyard of a home in Ginaton, causing minor property damage but no injuries.

“This was a qualitative missile, designed to inflict maximum damage across a broad radius,” said an IDF spokesperson. “Its deployment signals a dangerous shift in the Houthis’ operational tactics, likely influenced by Iranian military support.”

Air Defense Response Under Review

Despite multiple interception attempts by Israel’s advanced air defense systems—including Arrow and David’s Sling—the missile was not fully neutralized. The IDF emphasized that the failure was not due to the warhead type, and that the systems remain capable of intercepting similar threats.

The incident has prompted a broader review of Israel’s upper-layer missile defense protocols, especially in light of the increasing use of submunitions by Iran and its regional allies.

Israeli officials have vowed to respond decisively. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated earlier that the Houthis “will pay a heavy price” for their continued aggression.