Hashem Safieddine, a number one determine within the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, was killed in early October throughout a sequence of Israeli airstrikes on a southern suburb of Beirut. At round 60 years previous, Safieddine was seen because the second-most highly effective determine inside Hezbollah and a probable successor to the group’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, who additionally died in an earlier Israeli strike.
The strikes had been a part of Israel’s ongoing marketing campaign focusing on Hezbollah management, following heightened tensions within the area. Hezbollah confirmed Safieddine’s loss of life a day after Israel made the announcement.
A Contender For Hezbollah Management
Safieddine had lengthy been considered because the pure successor to Nasrallah, his maternal cousin and Hezbollah’s long-time chief. Safieddine’s rise by way of the ranks was marked by his involvement in key organizational roles, together with membership in Hezbollah’s decision-making Shura Council, military-focused Jihad Council, and his management of the Government Council, which oversees faculties and social applications.
Resembling Nasrallah in each look and beliefs, Safieddine’s speeches had been usually stuffed with defiance towards Israel. He repeatedly vowed that Hezbollah would proceed its combat in opposition to Israel, whatever the price. His loss of life comes at a time when Hezbollah’s management is in turmoil, as he was broadly anticipated to take over the group after Nasrallah’s passing.
Hezbollah’s Wrestle within the Wake of Latest Losses
Safieddine’s loss of life provides to Hezbollah’s latest challenges. The militant group has been engaged in frequent clashes with Israel following Hamas’ assault on Israel on October 7. As Hezbollah launched rockets, drones, and missiles at Israel, Israeli forces responded with focused strikes on Hezbollah commanders and infrastructure, together with Safieddine.
Israel’s marketing campaign has additionally dealt different blows to Hezbollah, together with the destruction of hundreds of communication units utilized by the group. As tensions escalate, Israel has launched a floor invasion into Lebanon, aiming to push Hezbollah militants again from the border.
Deep Ties with Iran
Safieddine’s shut relationship with Iran additional solidified his affect inside Hezbollah. His son, Rida, is married to Zeinab Soleimani, the daughter of Normal Qassem Soleimani, the pinnacle of Iran’s elite Quds Drive, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2020. Safieddine’s brother, Abdallah, serves as Hezbollah’s principal liaison with Tehran, reflecting the deep ties between Hezbollah and its main backer, Iran.
Sanctions and Defiant Management
In Could 2017, the USA, together with its Arab allies, together with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, imposed sanctions on Safieddine and several other different high Hezbollah officers. Regardless of these sanctions, Safieddine continued to be a key determine inside Hezbollah, ceaselessly delivering speeches that strengthened the group’s resistance to Israeli aggression.
A Void in Hezbollah’s Management
Safieddine’s loss of life leaves Hezbollah dealing with an unsure future. With Nasrallah gone and one other potential chief, Nabil Kaouk, additionally killed in an Israeli airstrike, the group’s management is now in query. Whereas Safieddine had been broadly considered the following in line to steer, his loss of life has left an influence vacuum throughout the group. The group’s deputy, Naim Kassem, is at present appearing because the chief, however Hezbollah’s long-term management stays unclear.
