U.S.: Israel Misused American Cluster Bombs

WASHINGTON — Israel likely misused American-made cluster bombs in civilian areas of Lebanon during the war against Hezbollah last summer, the U.S. State Department said yesterday.

Spokesman Sean McCormack said a preliminary report had been sent to the Congress on the issue. It is up to Congress whether the issue will be investigated further.

The United Nations said last summer that unexploded cluster bombs — anti-personnel weapons that spray bomblets over a wide area — littered homes, gardens, and highways in southern Lebanon.