Hezbollah has officially named Naim Qassem as the successor to the late Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27. The announcement was made on Tuesday, confirming Qassem’s elevation from his role as deputy head of the Lebanese armed group.
In a statement released by the group, Hezbollah’s Shura Council stated that Qassem, 71, was elected according to the organization’s established protocols for appointing a secretary general. Qassem has been a prominent figure within Hezbollah since being appointed as deputy chief in 1991 by then-secretary general Abbas al-Musawi, who died in an Israeli helicopter attack shortly thereafter.
Having served under both al-Musawi and Nasrallah, Qassem has become a well-known spokesman for Hezbollah, frequently engaging with foreign media, especially amid ongoing tensions with Israel. His leadership experience positions him as a critical figure during this transitional period for the group.
Nasrallah’s death, which has left a significant impact on Hezbollah, occurred amidst escalating violence in the region. Just a week after Nasrallah’s passing, Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah figure and a potential successor, was also killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Since taking on the leadership role, Qassem has addressed the public three times through televised messages. In a notable address on October 8, he expressed Hezbollah’s support for efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon, emphasizing the group’s ongoing commitment to its objectives and the safety of its members.
With Qassem now at the helm, Hezbollah faces the challenges of maintaining its influence in Lebanon and navigating its ongoing conflict with Israel, all while honoring the legacy of its former leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Sources By Agencies