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One of these men could be Hezbollah’s next leader in Lebanon

Israeli attacks on the group has thrust the limelight on to his successor, an uneviable position considering their enemy’s confidence to strike anywhere.

Israelattacks on the group has thrust the limelight on to his successor, an uneviable position considering their enemy’s confidence to strike anywhere.
Umit BektasREUTERS

The recent killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the long-standing leader of Hezbollah, has sent shockwaves through the organization and raised critical questions about its future leadership at a crucial point.

The leadership transition comes at a time when Hezbollah faces severe challenges. The group has suffered significant losses in both personnel and infrastructure due to recent Israeli airstrikes that have decimated Lebanon.

While Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation in the US, UK, and Israel, it is a part of the Lebanese government. One million people have been displaced by the Israeli invasion of the country with Prime Minister Najib Mikati saying it is the “largest displacement movement that may have happened.”

These attacks has left Hezbollah in a weakened state, making it imperative for any new leader to quickly restore morale and operational capacity.

Hashem Safieddine

Among the leading candidates to take over is Hashem Safieddine, a prominent figure within Hezbollah and a cousin of Nasrallah. At around 60 years old, Safieddine has deep religious and familial ties to the Shiite Muslim movement, having studied in Qom, Iran.

Hashem Safieddine speaks during the funeral of Mohammed Nasser, a senior Hezbollah commander who was killed in an Israeli strike in July.
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Hashem Safieddine speaks during the funeral of Mohammed Nasser, a senior Hezbollah commander who was killed in an Israeli strike in July.Aziz TaherREUTERS

He is currently a member of Hezbollah’s powerful Shura Council, its decision-making committee and has been described as the “most likely” successor to Nasrallah by sources close to the organization.

Naim Qassem

Another key figure is Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, who would automatically assume leadership following Nasrallah’s death. However, the Shura Council must formally elect a new secretary-general, which adds another layer of complexity to the succession process with the group under intense surveillance.

An emboldened Israel sees no danger in bombing sovereign nations so any potential leader can count themselves a target should they get elected.

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