Hezbollah Names Naim Qassem as Leader After Nasrallah's Assassination by Israel

Oct 29, 2024, 09:24 AM

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has appointed Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General following the assassination of its former leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut in September. Qassem, 71, a founding member who has served as deputy secretary-general since 1991, reportedly fled to Iran amid escalating threats from Israel. His departure was allegedly ordered by senior Iranian officials due to fears of assassination. The appointment was confirmed by Hezbollah's Shura Council on Tuesday. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the appointment, stating that "The appointment is temporary, the countdown has begun," suggesting further targeting of Hezbollah's leadership.