Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday, delivering a severe blow to the organisation in its 42-year history.
In the aftermath, attention has shifted to Hashem Safieddine, viewed as the top contender to take over leadership.
Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin, survived the Israeli attack and has long held a prominent role within Hezbollah’s hierarchy.
Like Nasrallah, Safieddine is a cleric and wears the black turban, symbolizing lineage from Prophet Mohammed.
Currently, Safieddine leads Hezbollah’s executive council, overseeing its political activities, and serves on the influential Jihad Council, which directs its military operations.
His dual influence in political and military matters positions him as a key figure in Hezbollah’s leadership.
Safieddine has maintained a militant stance, particularly in support of Palestine. Recently, during an event in Dahiyeh, Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold, he declared, “Our history, our guns and our rockets are with you.”
In 2017, the US State Department labeled Safieddine a terrorist due to his involvement in Hezbollah’s operations.
He responded to US sanctions with defiance, criticizing then-President Donald Trump’s administration as “mentally impeded” and stating that US actions would only bolster Hezbollah.
Analysts believe Safieddine’s close ties to Nasrallah, his similar appearance, and his clerical standing in Lebanon’s Shiite community may favor his appointment as the next leader.
“Nasrallah started assigning him roles in various councils within Lebanese Hezbollah,” said Phillip Smyth, an expert on Iran-backed militias. Over the years, Safieddine has become more visible, with more speeches and public appearances at major events.
Known for his strong rhetoric, Safieddine recently threatened retaliation against Israel after the death of another Hezbollah commander, saying, “Let (the enemy) prepare himself to cry and wail.”