Naim Qassem Appointed as New Leader of Hezbollah Following Hassan Nasrallah’s Death

Hezbollah has announced the appointment of Naim Qassem as its new leader, succeeding the late Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut in September 2024. Qassem, who has been the deputy secretary-general of the group, has been acting as the interim leader since Nasrallah’s death.

Qassem, a veteran figure in Hezbollah, has been associated with the group for over three decades. He began his political career with the Lebanese Shia Amal Movement before joining Hezbollah, which was formed with the backing of Iran‘s Revolutionary Guards in 1982. Qassem played a crucial role in the formation of Hezbollah and has since been a key figure, serving as the general coordinator of the group’s parliamentary election campaigns since 1992.

Following Nasrallah’s death, Qassem had relocated to Tehran due to fears of an Israeli-targeted strike. He had been considered the de facto leader of Hezbollah and has been one of the group’s leading spokesmen, conducting numerous interviews with foreign media.

The appointment of Qassem comes after a series of significant losses for Hezbollah, including the killing of Hashem Safieddine, who was seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah. The Israeli military confirmed Safieddine’s death earlier in October.

In his recent addresses, Qassem has emphasized Hezbollah’s resolve to continue its conflict with Israel, stating that the group’s capabilities remain intact despite the “painful blows” from Israeli strikes. He has also supported efforts for a ceasefire, while maintaining that Hezbollah will not initiate a wider conflict but will defend itself if necessary.