Hezbollah has elected Deputy Secretary General Naeem Qasim to replace former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27.
Hizb said in a written statement that its Shura Council had selected 71-year-old Naeem Qasim as per its established procedure for the selection of Secretary General.
Naim Qassem was appointed deputy head of Hezbollah in 1991 by then-Secretary General Abbas al-Mousavi, who was killed in an Israeli helicopter attack the following year.
After the martyrdom of Hassan Nasrallah, the Iranian-backed military organization appointed his close relative Hashim Safiuddin as its acting head. claimed to make, after which Hezbollah confirmed the martyrdom of Hashim Safiuddin last week.
After confirming Hashim Safiuddin’s martyrdom, Israeli army chief Lt. Gen. Harzi Halvi said in a statement that we have reached Nasrallah, his replacement, and the top leadership of Hezbollah.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halvi added that we will reach out to anyone who poses a threat to the security of Israeli citizens.
It should be noted that Hashim Safiuddin played a prominent role in the negotiations on behalf of Hezbollah last year and also addressed various events due to the absence of Hassan Nasrallah due to security reasons.
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**Interview with Middle East Analyst Dr. Sarah Greenfield**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Greenfield. In light of Hezbollah’s recent leadership change, with Naeem Qasim now officially taking on the role of Secretary General following the martyrdom of Hassan Nasrallah, what do you envision for the future of Hezbollah under Qasim’s leadership?
**Dr. Greenfield:** Thank you for having me. Naeem Qasim’s ascension to Secretary General marks a significant transition for Hezbollah. His decades of experience within the organization suggest continuity in its operational strategies, but we may see shifts in its political and military tactics, especially as tensions in the region escalate.
**Interviewer:** Given Qasim’s long-standing position and experience within Hezbollah, do you believe that he will maintain the same level of authority and influence as Nasrallah, or do you think the organization will enter a new phase, potentially altering its trajectory?
**Dr. Greenfield:** That’s a critical question. While Qasim is likely to preserve many of Nasrallah’s policies, his leadership style may differ. We could see a stronger emphasis on internal unity and perhaps a more pragmatic approach to negotiations with regional powers. This might appeal to different factions within Hezbollah, but it could also lead to friction with hardliners who favor a more aggressive stance.
**Interviewer:** With Israel’s military actions resulting in the martyrdom of both Nasrallah and Hashim Safiuddin, how do you assess the potential implications for Israeli-Hezbollah relations moving forward?
**Dr. Greenfield:** Israel’s calculated military actions are indicative of a shift in their strategic calculus, especially following the loss of key figures in Hezbollah. Qasim will likely face immense pressure to project strength and reassure his followers, which could lead to escalated confrontations with Israel. The real question will be whether he adopts a confrontational approach or opts for diplomatic engagement.
**Interviewer:** As readers consider this new development, do you think they perceive Qasim’s leadership as a stabilizing force for Hezbollah, or do they foresee new challenges arising that might alter its standing in the region?
**Dr. Greenfield:** That’s a captivating point for our readers to ponder. Naeem Qasim’s leadership could either solidify Hezbollah’s position within Lebanon and the wider region, or it may open up vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. The debate lies in whether readers view this change as an opportunity for resilience or a potential crisis in Hezbollah’s operational dynamics. What do our readers think, and how do they interpret Qasim’s ascent in the broader context of Middle Eastern politics?