Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem, its deputy head, as the new leader following the death of Hasan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike in south Beirut last month. The decision was made by Hezbollah’s Shura Council, which confirmed Qassem’s election in a statement after a month of turmoil since Nasrallah’s assassination.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue its “resistance” against Israel, promising to keep the fight alive until victory is achieved amid ongoing hostilities that began on September 23. A source close to the group revealed that Qassem was chosen by the Shura Council just two days prior to the public announcement, with plans to elect a new council after the conflict concludes.
Qassem, who has been a member of Hezbollah’s governing body since its inception in 1982 and has served as deputy secretary general since 1991, was often overshadowed by the charismatic Nasrallah. Initially, Hashem Safieddine, head of Hezbollah’s executive council, was considered a potential successor but was killed in an Israeli strike shortly after Nasrallah.
Born in Beirut in 1953, Qassem is noted for his public presence even after Nasrallah largely withdrew from public life following the 2006 war with Israel. Since becoming the new leader, Qassem has delivered three televised addresses, utilizing formal Arabic, contrasting with Nasrallah’s more colloquial style.
In his latest speech on October 15, Qassem emphasized the need for a ceasefire, suggesting it was the only way to ensure the safe return of Israeli residents in the north. Since the outbreak of war, which escalated with intensified Israeli operations on Hezbollah positions, over 1,700 people have died in Lebanon, while Israel has reported 37 military fatalities in the conflict.
