Hezbollah Names Naim Qassem as New Leader After Nasrallah's Death; Israel Warns 'Countdown Has Begun'

Oct 29, 2024, 06:12 PM

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shiite militant group, has officially appointed Sheikh Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General following the reported killing of its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in late September. Naim Qassem, 71, who becomes Hezbollah’s fourth Secretary-General, has been a senior figure and deputy secretary-general in the organization for over 30 years. The group's Shura Council made the appointment, which was praised by Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Qassem pledged to continue Nasrallah's agenda "in all aspects" and to carry on the group's "war plan," stating that they can keep fighting "for days, weeks, and months." He is expected to deliver his first speech as leader on Wednesday at 3 p.m. local time. Reports indicate that Qassem may be hiding in Iran due to fears of assassination. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded to Qassem's appointment by stating, "Temporary appointment. The countdown has begun," suggesting that Israel may target Qassem as well. The appointment comes amid heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel following recent conflicts.