Hezbollah has announced Naim Qassem, the group’s longtime deputy leader, as its new Secretary General following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Qassem’s 71 election was conducted by Hezbollah’s Shura Council, following established protocols for leadership succession.

Appointed deputy chief in 1991 by then-leader Abbas al-Musawi, Qassem retained this role under Nasrallah’s leadership and has been a prominent spokesperson for Hezbollah over the years, often addressing foreign media.

With the recent deaths of both Nasrallah and senior figure Hashem Safieddine in separate Israeli strikes, Qassem’s appointment comes during heightened regional tensions. He has publicly supported efforts toward a ceasefire in Lebanon, though some see him in Lebanon as lacking Nasrallah’s charisma and influence.

An official statement from Israel on X hinted that Qassem’s tenure may be short-lived, reiterating a call to dismantle Hezbollah as a military force in Lebanon.

As the region navigates this leadership transition, Qassem’s approach to his new role will be closely watched within Lebanon and beyond.