Naim Qassem Becomes New Hezbollah Leader After Nasrallah’s Death in Israeli Airstrike

Naim Qassem New Hezbollah Leader

After the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah was killed in an Israeli airstrike, the second-in-command became the top leader

WASHINGTON — Hezbollah has elected Naim Qassem as its new secretary-general following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023. Qassem, who served as Nasrallah’s deputy since 1991 and has represented the organization in various capacities, was unanimously chosen by the Shura Council to lead Hezbollah and maintain its resistance against Israel. His ascent to leadership came after the death of Hashem Safieddine, who was initially considered the likely successor.

In his first speeches after Nasrallah’s death, Naim Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s military capabilities and expressed support for a ceasefire in Lebanon, though he was noted for appearing nervous during his addresses. Born in Beirut in 1953, Qassem has a background in chemistry, is married with six children, and is fluent in English, having authored several books on religion, culture, and politics.

Key Concepts

• Hezbollah has elected Naim Qassem as its new secretary-general following the death of Hassan Nasrallah.
• Qassem was previously Nasrallah’s deputy and has served in various roles within Hezbollah.
• The decision to appoint Qassem aims to sustain the momentum of resistance against Israel.
• Nasrallah’s death resulted from an Israeli airstrike that also killed several top Hezbollah leaders.
• Qassem was appointed deputy secretary-general in 1991 and has often operated in Nasrallah’s shadow.
• After the 2006 war, Qassem emerged as Hezbollah’s spokesperson, engaging with foreign media.
• Qassem was not the initial choice for leadership, as Hashem Safieddine was considered the likely successor.
• Safieddine’s death in another airstrike allowed Qassem to ascend to leadership within Hezbollah.
• In his first speech after Nasrallah’s death, Qassem asserted Hezbollah’s military capabilities remained intact.
• Qassem’s initial address was characterized by a nervous demeanor and a dimly lit setting.
• Despite his frequent media appearances, Qassem is noted for lacking personal charm and effective speaking skills.
• Qassem has a background in chemistry, is married with six children, and is fluent in English.
• He has authored books on religion, culture, and politics, showcasing his diverse interests.

Hezbollah, which is currently engaged in a fierce battle with Israel in the Israel-Lebanon border area, issued a statement on Tuesday (October 29) saying that Naim Qassem, the second-in-command and former deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, has been elected as secretary-general of Hezbollah and becomes the organization’s new supreme leader.

Hassan Nasrullah, the former secretary general of Hezbollah, was killed in an airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the southern suburbs of Beirut more than a month ago. Also killed in the bombing were several members of Hezbollah’s top leadership and a deputy commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Qassem, 71, was Nasrallah’s deputy at the time and spoke on behalf of Hezbollah many times after Nasrallah was killed in an attack.

Hezbollah said in a statement that the Shura Council unanimously elected Qassem as the new secretary-general in accordance with the existing mechanism in order to “keep the fire of resistance burning” until victory over Israel is achieved.

Qassem was appointed as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general by Abbas al-Musawi, the second secretary-general of Hezbollah, in 1991. After Musawi was killed in an Israeli helicopter attack in 1992 and Nasrallah succeeded him as secretary-general, Qassem continued to serve as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general.

AFP believes that Nasrallah is a figure with great charisma and influence in the Middle East, and Qasim has lived in Nasrallah’s shadow for many years.

AFP also pointed out that after the end of Hezbollah’s war with Israel in 2006, Nasrallah went underground and no longer appeared in public, while Qassem became the face and voice of Hezbollah, often being interviewed by foreign media as an authoritative spokesperson.

After Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year triggered the Israel-Hazaliyah war and Hezbollah exchanged fire with Israel, Qassem also often spoke out to express Hezbollah’s position.

After Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, Qassem was not the first choice to succeed Nasrallah. Another Hezbollah leader, Hashem Safieddine, was considered the most likely candidate to succeed Nasrallah. But Safieddine was also killed in another round of Israeli airstrikes a week later, paving the way for Qassem to take over.

Reuters reported that after Nasrallah was killed in the attack, Qassem made three televised speeches. In his speech on October 8, he said that Hezbollah’s military capabilities were not damaged, but supported efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon.

AFP noted that Qasim looked nervous and sweaty during his first televised speech since Nasrallah’s death, and the room was dimly lit.

Agence France-Presse said that although Qassem often accepted interviews, he lacked personal charm and did not seem to be very good at speaking. In his first speech after Nasrallah’s death, he said that Hezbollah would soon elect a new leader.

Born in Beirut in 1953, Qassem is married with six children and studied and taught chemistry in Lebanon before entering politics.

Qasim speaks English and has published books on religious, cultural, and political issues.