A Lebanese military judge issued arrest warrants for a group of suspects accused of launching rockets from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory in March, with authorities still awaiting the handover of one final suspect from within a Palestinian refugee camp.

Military Investigative Judge Fadi Sawan charged the group with forming an armed cell aimed at undermining the authority and prestige of the Lebanese state. The suspects carried out rocket attacks on March 22 and March 28, and were reportedly preparing for a third on April 1.

According to security sources who spoke to Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper, the cell consists of six members—one Lebanese national and five Palestinians. Five of them are currently in custody. The Lebanese Army is still pressing for the surrender of the sixth member, a Palestinian cleric in his thirties known as “Sheikh” and “Abu Mahmoud,” who is accused of being both the financier and mastermind behind the attacks.

Though not formally ordained, the man gave religious lectures inside the camp and allegedly directed the group’s activities. Judicial sources said several of the detainees identified him as the cell’s principal funder, claiming he had previously assured them he could source rockets from Syria.

Despite pledges of cooperation from Hamas to the Lebanese state, including a commitment to hand over all suspects within two days, only three of the primary suspects have so far been delivered to the Lebanese Army. Security officials say they have ramped up coordination with Hamas leaders in recent hours, and have been told the final transfer is expected imminently.

In addition to the six main suspects, authorities have also detained three other Palestinians who allegedly supported the operations by providing vehicles and logistical assistance. However, according to sources familiar with the investigation, those three did not have full knowledge of the plot’s nature and were simply carrying out instructions on the ground.

In total, nine people have been charged in connection with the case, including six cell members and three collaborators.

Security officials expressed concern that unless the final suspect is handed over, the investigation will remain incomplete. They also want clarity on whether the attacks were the product of isolated frustration over the Gaza conflict, or if they were orchestrated with the intent to deliberately destabilize Lebanon and drag it into a broader war.

“Whoever fired those rockets knew full well the repercussions it could have for Lebanon. Israel would use the attacks as justification for retaliatory strikes, not only in the south, but potentially in areas like the southern suburbs of Beirut," one security source said.

The Lebanese Army uncovered further evidence suggesting a broader plan, including a stash of over 13 rockets and launch pads during a raid on a warehouse in Sidon. The facility, believed to be the group’s main weapons depot, also contained firearms, ammunition, magazines, and both metal and wooden launch platforms.

The repeated reassurances from the cleric that he could procure rockets from Syria, combined with the group’s apparent preparation for multiple attacks, has led investigators to believe the cell was planning an extended campaign.

“It wasn’t just one or two incidents,” the security source said. “They were getting ready for sustained operations.”