Beirut: Amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, the militant group Hezbollah has chosen a new leader. Following the recent death of its former commander, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli attack last month, Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as his successor. Rumors had circulated for some time about Qassem’s potential rise, and now, the organization’s Shura Council has officially endorsed him. Reports indicate that Qassem is currently in hiding in Iran, likely in Tehran, to evade Israeli strikes, and is coordinating Hezbollah’s operations from there.
Hezbollah released an official statement confirming Naim Qassem’s leadership role, highlighting his extensive experience within the organization. Qassem has served as Hezbollah’s deputy chief since 1991 and has also managed its propaganda machinery, often representing Hezbollah’s stance in foreign media. Now, with the official endorsement, he is set to lead the group’s future operations, solidifying Hezbollah’s resistance against Israel.
The Israeli airstrike on September 27 in Beirut resulted in the deaths of Nasrallah and another senior Hezbollah commander, Hashem Safieddine, who was also considered a potential successor. Following Nasrallah’s death, Qassem addressed the media on three occasions, signaling his support for a ceasefire to protect Lebanese civilians. However, Israel has yet to agree to a ceasefire with either Gaza or Lebanon, continuing its strikes on both regions.
