Hezbollah has named Naim Qassem to succeed its late leader, Hassan Nasrallah, whom an Israeli airstrike killed last month. But within hours, Israel retaliated, suggesting that Qassem’s tenure may not be extended, as Defence Minister Yoav Gallant posted a photo of Qassem on X captioned: “Temporary appointment. Not for long.”

A Longtime Hezbollah Figure Steps Up

The Shura Council of Hezbollah, in a process that followed instead of an internal procedure within the political organization, has officially elected a 71-year-old Qassem to the post of secretary general. Qassem joined Hezbollah from its very establishment, being deputy chief of the organization when the leader of Hezbollah, Abbas al-Musawi, had been assassinated by Israeli airstrike in 1991. He still acted as deputy to Nasrallah and very soon became one of the more vocal faces of the organization, presenting himself before the international media at the most challenging moments in Israel.

During the past weeks, Qassem made three televised speeches, the latest on October 8 when he said Hezbollah favors an initiative toward peace in Lebanon. To be sure, Qassem is no stranger to the politics of Lebanon. Still, many in this country believe him to be a leader who differs from the rest, especially Nasrallah, whose leadership defined Hezbollah’s position and identity.

 Israel’s Threat and Ongoing Tension

Israel Responds to the Threat, yet Tensions Continue. Israel continued striking from the skies and other frontlines with attacks across southern Lebanon. Nasrallah reportedly was killed in the south suburb of Beirut by another airstrike. Apart from Gallant’s announcement, the official Arabic account of Israel posted a warning saying, “His tenure at this post will be the shortest in the annals of this terrorist organization if he emulates the steps of his predecessors Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine.”. T, It insisted that Lebanon has no future for Israel unless it disarms Hezbollah’s armed wing, and the Israeli army would continue its strikes on Hezbollah’s leadership and apparatus.

History of Leadership Strikes

November 27 was a crushing blow to Hezbollah. A week later, Israel targeted and killed Hashem Safieddine, one of Hezbollah’s seniormost figures and widely viewed as Nasrallah’s heir-apparent

The death of two of its senior-most leaders within a space of a week has significantly exposed Hezbollah’s leadership. Reports say Israeli actions are targeting the opportunity for Hezbollah to consolidate leadership.

Uncertain Future for the New Leader of Hezbollah

Qassem’s appointment comes at a time when hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have gone to a boiling point in that both countries go on high alert for whatever escalation signs. Despite Hezbollah being the hegemonic force in Lebanon after Iran, it is gradually being squeezed hard as the top Israeli officials call for the organization to disarm itself and be dismantled as well. As Qassem steps in over the coming months, the future status of the leadership of Hezbollah will likely be decided.