Who is Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah’s Potential New Leader?

Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine's name has surfaced as a likely successor. According to a Reuters report published on Saturday, discussions are already underway about Hezbollah’s potential new leader after the loss of Nasrallah, who led the group for 32 years.

The Reuters report confirmed that Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, leaving the Iran-backed militant group under significant pressure. Amidst this, Hashem Safieddine has emerged as a prominent candidate to take over leadership. Both inside and outside of Hezbollah, there is considerable talk about Safieddine.

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Safieddine, still alive despite widespread Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, currently oversees Hezbollah's political affairs as the head of the Executive Council. He is also a member of the Jihad Council, which manages the group’s military operations.

Notably, Safieddine is a cousin of Nasrallah and, like him, is a religious figure. He is recognized as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and wears the symbolic black turban.

In 2017, the U.S. State Department designated him as a terrorist. In June, following the killing of a Hezbollah commander, Safieddine warned Israel of major retaliation, stating, "Let the enemy prepare for tears and mourning."

Safieddine frequently addresses the public, emphasizing Hezbollah’s military stance and support for Palestinians. At a recent event held in Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs, he said, "Our history, our guns, and our rockets are all with you (the Palestinians)."

Phillip Smyth, a researcher of the Iran-backed Shi'ite militia, stated that Nasrallah had already begun preparing roles for Safieddine within Hezbollah's councils, some of which were highly confidential. On certain occasions, Safieddine would be brought forward to speak publicly.

Safieddine’s familial ties and resemblance to Nasrallah, coupled with his status as a descendant of the Prophet, bolster his religious credibility and position him as a likely candidate to lead Hezbollah.

Known for his strong criticism of U.S. policies, Safieddine in 2017 declared, "The mentally deranged, insane U.S. administration, led by Trump, will not harm the resistance movement. Their actions will only strengthen Hezbollah's resolve."