Who is Hashem Safieddine, the possible successor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah?

The killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces on Saturday has intensified the ongoing Gaza war, marking a critical escalation. Nasrallah, 64, was classified as a terrorist by the United States. As Hezbollah weighs its next moves, Hashem Safieddine, a prominent figure within the group, is widely viewed as a likely successor.

Analysts quoted by the Associated Press highlight that Nasrallah's death represents a major blow to Hezbollah, showcasing the force's vulnerability against Israel. “This will shake the confidence of Hezbollah’s Iran-backed allies across the Arab world, from the Houthis in Yemen to the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, as well as Iran itself, sparking a tectonic shift in Iran’s network of influence in the Middle East,” said Lina Khatib, an associate fellow at Chatham House, an international affairs think tank.

Who is Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah's possible replacement?

Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah, is viewed by many as the most likely candidate to succeed him. Safieddine has long played a key role within Hezbollah, overseeing its political affairs. His survival in the latest Israeli attack remains unclear, as the group did not mention him in their statement on Nasrallah’s death.

Born in 1964 in Lebanon, Safieddine pursued his religious education in Iran. He is considered a trusted figure with deep connections to Iran and its leadership. The US Treasury Department identifies him as a "senior leader" and a member of Hezbollah’s executive Shura council.

Safieddine's family also has strong ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His son married the daughter of former IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020.

In 2017, the US State Department designated Safieddine as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and Saudi Arabia followed suit by listing him as a "terrorist" as well.

Regional impact and consequences of Nasrallah's death

Nasrallah’s killing is part of an intensified Israeli military campaign that targets high-ranking Hezbollah members and other militant figures. This comes in response to escalating violence, particularly after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, resulting in over a thousand casualties.

Other significant losses for Hezbollah include commanders Ibrahim Qubaisi, killed on September 24, and Ibrahim Aqil, who died on September 20. These deaths have raised questions about Hezbollah’s capability to operate effectively under growing pressure.

Hezbollah's future after Nasrallah

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As Hezbollah faces this leadership transition, the group's military and political direction hangs in the balance. Analysts will closely follow the role of potential successors, like Safieddine, and how the organization plans to align with Iran’s broader strategies in the region. The new leadership’s decisions will shape Hezbollah's responses to mounting regional challenges.

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