Hezbollah denies reports of new leadership under Safieddine

Hezbollah has refuted reports suggesting that Hashem Safieddine, the head of the movement’s executive council, has been appointed as the new secretary-general following the death of Hasan Nasrallah in an Israeli attack.

In a written statement, the organization emphasized that recent media reports regarding the leadership succession are unfounded. “We want to clarify that the news circulating in some media outlets regarding the organizational procedures within Hezbollah after our Secretary General’s martyrdom is entirely unrelated,” the statement read.

The organization also indicated that leadership discussions on this matter are ongoing. It urged the public to disregard any news regarding leadership changes until an official announcement is made by Hezbollah’s leadership.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in controlled conflicts with the Israeli army, which has intensified its attacks in southern Lebanon. On Sept. 23, the Israeli military launched hundreds of airstrikes across southern Lebanese cities, as well as in the Bekaa and Baalbek regions.

According to Lebanese authorities, a total of 1,174 individuals, including 104 children and 194 women, have died since September 17, when Hezbollah’s communication devices were targeted in bombings.

Nasrallah lost his life in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched rockets and missiles towards Israeli positions, primarily targeting military bases. Reports indicate that these attacks have not resulted in significant damage on the Israeli side.