October 29, 2024 | Flash Brief

Hezbollah Picks Longtime Nasrallah Deputy as Replacement for Dead Leader

October 29, 2024 | Flash Brief

Hezbollah Picks Longtime Nasrallah Deputy as Replacement for Dead Leader

Latest Developments

Hezbollah announced on October 29 that it appointed Naim Qassem, the longtime deputy secretary-general of the Lebanon-based group, as its new secretary-general. In a social media message, the Iran-backed organization said that the Shura Council — Hezbollah’s senior leadership board — chose Qassem to fill the role, which Hassan Nasrallah previously held for 32 years. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded on X by posting a brief message with Qassem’s picture that stated, “Temporary appointment. Not for long.”

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike in the Dahiyeh neighborhood of Beirut killed Nasrallah on September 27. A week later, an IDF strike in the same neighborhood killed Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s most likely successor at the time.

Qassem, widely regarded as less charismatic than Nasrallah, is one of a few high-ranking Hezbollah leaders who remain alive after Israel eliminated nearly all of Hezbollah’s leadership in just over a month. In three public speeches since Nasrallah’s death, Qassem has emerged as the public face of the group, playing up Hezbollah’s actions against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon while threatening Israel and the United States.

Born in southern Lebanon in 1953, Qassem began his career as a member of the Amal Movement in the 1970s but left the group in 1979 to become a key player in establishing Hezbollah in 1982. In 1991, Hezbollah elevated Qassem to deputy secretary-general under then Hezbollah chief Abbas al-Musawi, whom Israel killed in an airstrike the following year. Qassem remained in that position throughout Nasrallah’s subsequent tenure.

Expert Analysis

“Naim Qassem is an odd choice to replace Nasrallah — he’s a cerebral intellectual who lacks his late predecessor’s charisma, organizational experience, and the unquantifiable elements that created Nasrallah’s cult of personality. His appointment to the position demonstrates that Israel’s spate of assassinations has left Hezbollah with few choices — and Qassem himself may not last long in his new post.” David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow

“Naim Qassem has supported Hezbollah’s war against Israel over the last year. He said that the group’s attacks on Israel aimed to pressure Hamas militarily in Gaza. Qassem’s appointment means the Iran-backed terrorist group will continue threatening Israel. Hezbollah must be defeated in southern Lebanon and removed from the Israeli border so that it will not be able to harm Israeli civilians.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Naim Qassem was likely a candidate of last resort to succeed Hassan Nasrallah. However, Qassem’s appointment was not random. As one of the longest-serving and most senior members of Hezbollah since its inception, Qassem reflects the group’s preference for continuity over disruption, particularly in a period when the organization’s capabilities are severely diminished. Iran will likely exert an even more prominent influence over Hezbollah during Qassem’s tenure, reminiscent of its control in the group’s early days in the 1980s.” — Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Research Analyst

Naim Qassem vows Hezbollah will continue fighting,” by David Daoud

Naim Qassem: Hezbollah’s New and Subdued Voice,” by David Daoud

The impact of Israeli operations on Hezbollah’s organizational structure,” by David Daoud and Ahmad Sharawi

Israel eliminated Nasrallah’s successor,” by Ahmad Sharawi

Issues:

Issues:

Hezbollah Israel Israel at War Lebanon

Topics:

Topics:

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Gaza City Hamas Hassan Nasrallah Hezbollah Iran Israel Israel Defense Forces Lebanon Naim Qassem United States Yoav Gallant