Who is Hashem Safieddine, possible new chief of Hezbollah?

Hezbollah confirmed the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrikes on a Beirut suburb on Friday, ending his 32-year leadership. Nasrallah’s death has intensified speculation about his successor, with sources pointing to Hashem Safieddine as the most likely candidate. So, who is Safieddine, the possible new chief of Hezbollah?

Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin and head of Hezbollah’s executive council, is widely regarded as his heir. Born in southern Lebanon in 1964, Safieddine has been part of Hezbollah since its founding in 1982.

He studied in Qom, Iran, alongside Nasrallah and has been groomed for leadership since 1994.

Known for his fiery speeches and commitment to Hezbollah’s resistance against Israel, Safieddine shares Nasrallah’s hardline stance.

He has emphasized the group’s readiness to fight Israeli “aggression” and support Gaza, reiterating that Hezbollah’s mission is ongoing until Israel halts its offensive.

Close ties with Tehran

With close ties to Iran, including familial connections to the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, Safieddine’s leadership could further solidify Hezbollah’s alliance with Tehran.

Meanwhile, his inclusion in the U.S. Treasury’s counter-terrorism blacklist in 2017 underscores his prominence within the group.

Safieddine’s potential rise as Hezbollah’s leader marks a critical juncture for the organization as tensions continue to escalate in the region.