The recent assassination of Hezbollah’s leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, by an Israeli airstrike has left a significant leadership vacuum within the organization. As Hezbollah grapples with this loss, speculation has arisen regarding potential successors to Nasrallah, who had led the group since 1992. Two prominent figures are being considered for the role: Hashem Safieddine and Naim Qassem.
Hashem Safieddine, who is reportedly in his late 50s or early 60s, has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Nasrallah. He is not only a prominent figure within Hezbollah but also has deep religious and familial ties to the organization’s patron, Iran. Safieddine is described as bearing a striking resemblance to Nasrallah, both physically and in terms of charisma, making him a fitting candidate to take the helm.
A source close to Hezbollah stated that Safieddine is the “most likely” candidate for the top job. He serves on Hezbollah’s powerful decision-making Shura Council and has been designated as a “terrorist” by both the United States and Saudi Arabia since 2017. The U.S. Treasury has described him as a senior leader in Hezbollah, highlighting his role in the organization’s executive decision-making.
In addition to his political credentials, Safieddine has strong ties to Iran, having studied religious matters in Qom. His familial connections further bolster his standing; his son is married to the daughter of General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations, who was assassinated by a U.S. drone strike in 2020. Safieddine holds the title of “Sayyed,” marking him as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, which enhances his religious authority within the organization.
Unlike Nasrallah, who has largely lived in hiding due to security concerns, Safieddine has made public appearances at various political and religious events, indicating a level of confidence and visibility that could serve him well in a leadership role.
The other prominent contender for the position is Naim Qassem, who currently serves as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general. Qassem has been instrumental in the organization since its inception, having been one of its founding members in the early 1980s. At 71 years old, he is regarded as one of Hezbollah’s foundational religious scholars, having taught religious students in Beirut for decades.
Qassem has previously overseen the fighters’ educational matters and played a crucial role in managing their parliamentary activities. He was elected deputy secretary-general in 1991 by Hezbollah’s co-founder and former secretary-general, Abbas al-Musawi. Given his longstanding association with the group, Qassem is often seen as the “number two” figure and could assume leadership automatically following Nasrallah’s death. However, a formal meeting of the Shura Council is necessary to elect a new secretary-general.
As Hezbollah considers its next steps, the transition of leadership is critical. The Shura Council, which is comprised of influential figures within the organization, will play a pivotal role in selecting Nasrallah’s successor. While Safieddine appears to have the edge due to his close ties with Iran and public profile, Qassem’s longstanding loyalty and experience also make him a formidable candidate.
The dynamics of this leadership transition will be closely monitored, not only within Hezbollah but also by regional and international observers. The new leader’s approach could significantly impact Hezbollah’s strategy, particularly in its ongoing confrontations with Israel and its broader role in the region.
Hezbollah navigates this challenging period, both Hashem Safieddine and Naim Qassem represent distinct paths for the organization. The choice of successor will not only define Hezbollah’s immediate future but will also shape its relationship with key allies and adversaries in the tumultuous landscape of Middle Eastern politics.
