Oct 30, V7N- Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as its new leader following the deaths of its former secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, and senior figure Hashem Safieddine, who were both killed in Israeli strikes over the past month. Qassem, who served as Hezbollah’s deputy leader since 1991, was chosen by the group’s Shura Council. Israel responded sharply to his appointment, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referring to Qassem’s tenure as "temporary" in what appeared to be a veiled threat, suggesting a continuation of Israel’s aggressive stance toward Hezbollah’s leadership.
 
Qassem, who lacks the charismatic appeal of his predecessor Nasrallah, has already taken a public stance supporting efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon, though he faces heightened scrutiny and threats from Israel. Hezbollah’s official statement confirmed that Qassem's selection followed its long-standing internal procedures, despite the turbulence within the organization following recent leadership losses. Israel reiterated on social media that Qassem’s position could be short-lived, underscoring its goal of dismantling Hezbollah as a military power in Lebanon.
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