Central Israel came under a dangerous new form of attack as an Iranian ballistic missile carrying a cluster warhead dispersed multiple explosive submunitions across populated areas, emergency officials confirmed.

At least six bomblets impacted across the region, turning neighborhoods into scattered strike zones. One man in his 60s was killed after being caught outside without shelter during the barrage. In a separate strike, a submunition slammed into a residential building, lightly injuring two men in their 50s.

Fire and Rescue teams rushed to at least six different impact sites, where buildings sustained damage and crews worked to secure the areas.

Security officials warn that the use of cluster munitions significantly raises the threat to civilians, as the weapon spreads smaller explosives over a wide radius, making it far more unpredictable and deadly in urban environments.