Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group announced on Tuesday that Sheikh Naim Qassem will serve as its new leader, succeeding Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27. Qassem, 71, has been a prominent figure in Hezbollah since its founding in 1982, serving as deputy leader. His appointment was confirmed by Hezbollah’s governing Shura Council.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian endorsed the choice, saying that Qassem’s leadership would “strengthen the will of the resistance.”
Qassem’s appointment follows the deaths of multiple Hezbollah officials in Israeli strikes. Initially, Hezbollah’s Executive Council head, Hashem Safieddine, was expected to succeed Nasrallah, but he was also reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier in October.
In response to Qassem’s appointment, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Qassem’s new role would be a “temporary appointment,” implying further Israeli actions may follow.
Temporary appointment.
Not for long. pic.twitter.com/ONu0GveApi— יואב גלנט – Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) October 29, 2024
Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over 30 years, delivered video addresses to avoid Israeli assassination attempts. Qassem, however, remained active in public appearances. Since Nasrallah’s death, Qassem has made several public addresses in support of Hezbollah’s policies.
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