Israel Probes Launch for Possible Submunitions After Houthi Attack

FDD |  Aug 23, 2025

Latest Developments

• Friday Night Attack: The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a ballistic missile at Israel on August 22, setting off sirens throughout large swaths of the country just after the start of the Jewish Sabbath. The IDF stated that it attempted to intercept the projectile using Israel’s advanced air defense systems, which include Arrow, THAAD, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, but that the missile likely broke apart in mid-air. Israeli police warned of “debris and fragments” near Tel Aviv following the attack, which resulted in no casualties.
• Potential Cluster Munitions Used: Hours after the attack, Israeli media reported that the warhead may have contained cluster munitions, and that Israeli authorities were investigating further. Cluster munitions are released at altitude, scattering over 20 smaller submunitions indiscriminately over wide areas. Iran previously used similar weapons during the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June.

• Iran’s Unused Arsenal: Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned on August 22 that Tehran still holds advanced “equipment” that it has not yet used against Israel, including weapons that are designed to evade electronic defenses and exhaust Israeli interceptors. Israel estimates that Iran retains 1,000–1,500 missiles, only a fraction of its pre-war arsenal.

FDD Expert Response

“Despite their distance, the Houthis are sustaining hostilities against Israel. Their ability to mirror Iran’s tactics — like submunitions — makes them a serious operational threat. A missile that both evades multiple air defenses and showers bomblets over a city would mark a dangerous escalation.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“The ‘Axis of Resistance’ thrives on an underdog narrative: even surviving a defeat is spun as victory. Coupled with a residual stockpile and Tehran’s thirst for revenge, Iran remains highly dangerous.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Houthis Will Pay With Compound Interest’: Israeli Navy Responds to Repeated Attacks by Striking Houthi-controlled Power Plant in Yemen,” FDD Flash Brief

“Houthis Threaten to Target All Ships Belonging to Companies Conducting Commerce With Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“What ballistic missiles does Iran have in its arsenal?” by Behnam Ben Taleblu and Bridget Toomey