Hashem Safieddine is set to replace Hassan Nasrallah as the chief of Hezbollah after Nasrallah was reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. Nasrallah, who led the Iran-backed militant group for 32 years, was eliminated as part of Israel’s military actions. Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin, has been designated as his successor for years.
Conflicting Reports About Safieddine’s Fate
Despite initial reports on Saturday claiming that Safieddine was also killed in Israeli bombings, media reports cited a source within Hezbollah confirming that he is still alive. Safieddine, who closely resembles his cousin, joined Hezbollah in its early days. Born in 1964 in Deir Qanun al-Nahr, southern Lebanon, he has been involved with the group for decades and was called back to Lebanon from Iran in the 1990s.
Political and Family Ties
Safieddine has been involved in Hezbollah’s political affairs and is part of its Jihad Council, which oversees the group’s military operations. He also has close ties to Iran through his marriage connections; he is the father-in-law of Zeinab Soleimani, daughter of slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The U.S. labeled him a terrorist in 2017, and Saudi Arabia blacklisted him for his support of the Syrian regime.
Hezbollah’s Role in Syria
Nasrallah’s death sparked celebrations in Syria, where Hezbollah is widely despised for its support of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in suppressing the Syrian revolution. Safieddine, as head of Hezbollah’s executive council, has been overseeing its civilian operations, including education and finances, while Nasrallah handled the group’s strategic military direction.
Netanyahu’s Statement and Israel’s Operations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he personally ordered Nasrallah’s elimination, calling it a “historical turning point” and a necessary condition for Israel to meet its war objectives. Following Nasrallah’s death, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared that Hezbollah’s ability to “terrorize the world” has been significantly diminished. Additionally, Israel claimed the elimination of another senior Hezbollah figure, Hassan Khalil Yassin, who led intelligence operations targeting Israeli sites.
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