Lebanese Armed Forces prevent rocket launch into Israel for first time since November ceasefire

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) announced on Sunday that it had foiled an attempted rocket attack on Israel during patrols in southern Lebanon. 

As part of a raid on an apartment in the Sidon-Zahrani area, the army arrested several suspects and seized the rockets and launchers. 

According to a statement from the LAF, the confiscated weapons were seized, and investigations have been launched into the individuals involved.

إلحاقًا بالبيان الصادر بتاريخ ١٦ / ٤ / ٢٠٢٥ والمتعلق بتوقيف عدد من أفراد المجموعة التي نفذت عمليتَي إطلاق صواريخ في جنوب لبنان، ونتيجة المتابعة والرصد والتحقيقات المستمرة، توافرت لدى مديرية المخابرات معلومات عن التحضير لعملية جديدة لإطلاق صواريخ باتجاه الأراضي الفلسطينية المحتلة.… pic.twitter.com/sICfmkBQwy

— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) April 20, 2025

The arrest and seizure comes shortly after the LAF arrested last week several members of a Palestinian group who had previously carried out two rocket launches against Israel.

The Lebanese military reported that ongoing surveillance and investigations revealed preparations for a new rocket launch, prompting a patrol and subsequent raid on the apartment where the launcher was located.

The raid marks the first time the Lebanese military has thwarted a rocket attack on Israel since the ceasefire was negotiated in November. It also demonstrates the growing control the military has in southern Lebanon after the expulsion of Hezbollah forces by the IDF. 

The LAF announcement also came shortly before Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the government’s decision to restrict all arms to only the state, while calling it a “sensitive matter” which requires the “right conditions.” 

“When I spoke of the state’s exclusive right to arms in my oath of office, it wasn’t just words. I said it because I firmly believe that the Lebanese people do not want war and can no longer bear its consequences or even the language of war,” Aoun said following his attendance of an Easter Mass and a closed-door meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi.

Earlier this month, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said that receiving international aid was contingent upon the disarming of Hezbollah, while also calling for Israel to withdraw all forces from Lebanon. 

Aoun said the issue “should not be debated through media or social platforms, but rather approached with national responsibility and without provocation.” 

“We must address the matter responsibly and with composure because it is a sensitive and fundamental matter for preserving civil peace,” Aoun stated. 

This coincided with reports that Hezbollah is open to dialogue regarding the disarmament, despite recent statements to the contrary. 

Later on Sunday, Lebanese media reported two Israeli airstrikes in the south: one in the town of Arnoun in Nabatieh, South Lebanon, and one in the southern town of Kaouthariyet El Saiyad. 

The IDF later confirmed one of the strikes, saying it targeted and killed the deputy head of Hezbollah Unit 4400, a weapons smuggling unit. 

🔴ELIMINATED: Deputy Head of Hezbollah’s Weapons Smuggling Unit 4400

The IAF conducted an intelligence-based strike on terrorist Hussein Ali Nasr, deputy head of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400.

During his role, Nasr operated to smuggle weapons and funds into Lebanon in order to rebuild… pic.twitter.com/y55KqXHex0

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 20, 2025

According to the IDF, Hussein Ali Nasr, deputy head of Unit 4400, was involved in smuggling weapons and money to the terror group, often through Beirut International Airport. 

Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes against Hezbollah activity which violates the terms of the November ceasefire. 

“The IDF will continue to eliminate threats to our civilians on all fronts,” the military statement said.