Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has reacted to Hezbollah’s announcement of Naim Qassem as its new leader, labeling the appointment as a “temporary” one and implying it may not last long. This statement comes in the wake of Hezbollah’s confirmation that Qassem will succeed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut last month.
In a post on X, Gallant referred to Qassem’s leadership as a “temporary appointment” and shared a photo of him, adding that “the countdown has begun.” This remark suggests a sense of urgency regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Naim Qassem, born in Beirut in 1953, has been the deputy head of Hezbollah and was chosen following the deaths of both Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, the latter of whom was initially expected to take over after Nasrallah’s demise. Reports indicate that Safieddine was killed by an Israeli strike earlier this month.
Since the outbreak of hostilities after Hamas’s attack on October 7 last year, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified. Israel has increased its military operations, conducting strikes on Hezbollah strongholds and deploying ground forces, leading to significant casualties on both sides. The ongoing conflict has reportedly claimed the lives of over 1,700 individuals in Lebanon since September 23, with Israeli forces confirming the loss of 37 soldiers during their ground operations initiated on September 30.
As tensions continue to rise, Israel’s military stance remains aggressive, indicating that they are prepared to take further action against Hezbollah’s leadership and operational capabilities. The situation in the region remains fluid, with developments being closely monitored by global observers.
Sources By Agencies
