Israel Targets New Hezbollah Leader Hashem Safieddine Amid Leadership Assassinations

Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israel has now targeted his cousin and successor, Hashem Safieddine, in a series of intense airstrikes on Beirut. Safieddine, a long-time Hezbollah member with close ties to Iran, was reportedly present in an underground bunker during the strikes, though his fate remains unclear. Despite these targeted killings, key figures in Hezbollah’s leadership, such as Naim Qassem and Talal Hamieh, remain active, ensuring the group’s continued function. Experts suggest that while Hezbollah has been significantly weakened, the group’s resolve may only strengthen, and its regional allies could respond to the escalating tensions.

After the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israel has shifted its focus to his cousin and new Hezbollah chief, Hashem Safieddine. In a series of intense airstrikes on Beirut, Israel targeted an underground bunker where Safieddine was believed to be attending a meeting. The strikes were described as some of the heaviest bombardments in the area since the killing of Nasrallah on September 27. However, it’s still unclear whether Safieddine was killed in the attack, as neither Israel’s military nor Hezbollah has issued any official statements.

Hashem Safieddine, a veteran Hezbollah member since the 1980s, has risen through the ranks to become one of the group’s most influential figures. Known for his political, spiritual, and military leadership, Safieddine is also closely linked to Iran, having studied in Qom and built ties with Iranian military figures like Qasem Soleimani. His role in Hezbollah’s leadership extends to overseeing the group’s military activities as part of the Jihadi Council.

Despite these recent assassinations, Hezbollah’s leadership is not entirely dismantled. Key figures like Naim Qassem, who has served as deputy secretary-general since 1991, Talal Hamieh, in charge of external operations, and other senior members remain active. These leaders, along with others in the political wing of Hezbollah, ensure that the group still maintains structure and leadership despite significant losses.

Israel’s recent string of targeted killings—including prominent Hezbollah figures such as Ibrahim Aqil and Mohammad Surour—has undoubtedly weakened the organization, but experts argue that Hezbollah is not on the verge of collapse. Many believe that these assassinations, while damaging, may further fuel Hezbollah’s resolve, and could even radicalize a new generation of fighters. Additionally, Hezbollah allies in the region, like the Houthis in Yemen and Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, may become more active as a response to these strikes.

While Hezbollah has suffered considerable blows, it remains to be seen whether these actions will decisively impact the group’s long-term capabilities or lead to further mobilization of its members and regional allies.