HEZBOLLAH, Lebanon – In a leadership shift, Hezbollah announced Naim Qassem as its new leader following the recent deaths of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine in Israeli airstrikes.
Qassem, who has served as Hezbollah’s deputy leader since 1991, was elected by the group’s Shura Council, a selection body responsible for appointing the secretary general.
The announcement came on Tuesday, marking a new era for the Iran-backed organization.
Israel’s response to Qassem’s appointment was swift, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggesting that his tenure may be short-lived.
In a pointed message on social media, Gallant posted a photo of Qassem with the caption, “Temporary appointment. Not for long.” The Israeli government echoed Gallant’s statement, warning that Qassem could face the same fate as his predecessors. “His tenure in this position may be the shortest in the history of this terrorist organization,” read a post from Israel’s official Arabic account.
Qassem, 71, was originally appointed as Hezbollah’s deputy chief by Abbas al-Musawi, Hezbollah’s leader in the early 1990s, who was himself killed in an Israeli helicopter strike in 1992.
Since then, Qassem has maintained a high-profile role within the group, becoming a key spokesperson for Hezbollah.
Known for his appearances in international media, Qassem has continued to advocate for Hezbollah’s agenda during periods of intense conflict with Israel, including ongoing border hostilities over the past year.
Following the death of Nasrallah on September 27 in Beirut’s southern suburbs—an area frequently associated with Hezbollah’s operations—speculation over the group’s next leader pointed to Hashem Safieddine.
However, an Israeli strike killed Safieddine shortly after, clearing the path for Qassem’s ascension.
While Qassem has a history of public support within Hezbollah, he is widely seen in Lebanon as lacking Nasrallah’s charisma, an attribute that helped Nasrallah wield influence across the region for decades.
Qassem’s recent televised speeches have underscored his support for peace efforts, and in his most recent address, he called for a ceasefire to stabilize Lebanon.
Israeli officials, however, have downplayed any possibility of stability with Hezbollah in power.
“There is no solution in Lebanon except to dismantle this organization as a military force,” read Israel’s social media post, signaling continued tensions.
Qassem’s leadership will be closely watched as Hezbollah navigates the challenges of internal consolidation and escalating external pressure from Israel, which views the organization as a direct threat.
The unfolding situation marks yet another chapter in the complex and volatile dynamics between Hezbollah and Israel.
Qassem, who has served as Hezbollah’s deputy leader since 1991, was elected by the group’s Shura Council, a selection body responsible for appointing the secretary general.
The announcement came on Tuesday, marking a new era for the Iran-backed organization.
Israel’s response to Qassem’s appointment was swift, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggesting that his tenure may be short-lived.
In a pointed message on social media, Gallant posted a photo of Qassem with the caption, “Temporary appointment. Not for long.” The Israeli government echoed Gallant’s statement, warning that Qassem could face the same fate as his predecessors. “His tenure in this position may be the shortest in the history of this terrorist organization,” read a post from Israel’s official Arabic account.
Qassem, 71, was originally appointed as Hezbollah’s deputy chief by Abbas al-Musawi, Hezbollah’s leader in the early 1990s, who was himself killed in an Israeli helicopter strike in 1992.
Since then, Qassem has maintained a high-profile role within the group, becoming a key spokesperson for Hezbollah.
Known for his appearances in international media, Qassem has continued to advocate for Hezbollah’s agenda during periods of intense conflict with Israel, including ongoing border hostilities over the past year.
Following the death of Nasrallah on September 27 in Beirut’s southern suburbs—an area frequently associated with Hezbollah’s operations—speculation over the group’s next leader pointed to Hashem Safieddine.
However, an Israeli strike killed Safieddine shortly after, clearing the path for Qassem’s ascension.
While Qassem has a history of public support within Hezbollah, he is widely seen in Lebanon as lacking Nasrallah’s charisma, an attribute that helped Nasrallah wield influence across the region for decades.
Qassem’s recent televised speeches have underscored his support for peace efforts, and in his most recent address, he called for a ceasefire to stabilize Lebanon.
Israeli officials, however, have downplayed any possibility of stability with Hezbollah in power.
“There is no solution in Lebanon except to dismantle this organization as a military force,” read Israel’s social media post, signaling continued tensions.
Qassem’s leadership will be closely watched as Hezbollah navigates the challenges of internal consolidation and escalating external pressure from Israel, which views the organization as a direct threat.
The unfolding situation marks yet another chapter in the complex and volatile dynamics between Hezbollah and Israel.
