Hezbollah Elects New Leader After Nasrallah’s Assassination
Naim Qassem Takes Leadership Amid Growing Tensions with Israel
Lebanon’s Hezbollah has named Naim Qassem, its deputy secretary-general, as the successor to Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27.
Qassem, a founding member of the group and long-time deputy chief, steps into the leadership role during a turbulent period marked by escalating hostilities with Israel.
According to reports, Qassem fled Beirut on October 5, seeking refuge first in Damascus, then in Tehran, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Qassem’s relocation was reportedly ordered by senior Iranian officials, concerned about his safety amid recent high-profile killings of Hezbollah leaders. His first speech as Hezbollah’s leader, delivered on October 15 from Tehran, emphasized the group’s resilience, stating they would not be subdued by Israeli offensives or leadership losses.
Qassem’s election was carried out by Hezbollah’s Shura Council, which sits atop the group’s hierarchy. Initially appointed as Nasrallah’s deputy by Abbas al-Musawi in 1991, Qassem has been central to Hezbollah’s ideological and operational strategies. However, analysts suggest that while Qassem may lack Nasrallah’s charismatic influence, his experience will be critical as Hezbollah faces mounting challenges.
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