Profile: Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s new leader succeeding Nasrallah

By Maryam Qarehgozlou

Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has appointed Sheikh Naim Qassem, its deputy leader, as the new Secretary General. He will succeed Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallah was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut last month.

Qassem, a senior Hezbollah resistance figure for over three decades, was elected by the group’s Shura Council to lead the Lebanon-based organization on Tuesday.

“Hezbollah’s Shura Council has agreed on the election of His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, entrusting him with the blessed banner on this journey,” the group announced in a statement.

Qassem’s appointment comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing Israeli genocidal aggression against Lebanon, which has resulted in the martyrdom of at least 2,500 people.

He is assuming leadership days after the announcement of the assassination of top Hezbollah figure Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, who was initially believed to succeed Nasrallah.

Qassem has long served as a prominent spokesperson for Hezbollah, representing the popular resistance movement in international public forums and media appearances.

His extensive experience, deep understanding of the group’s ideology, and strong communication skills have made him an influential voice within the Islamic resistance movement and a key figure in conveying the organization’s messages and perspectives.

As a result, Qassem has played a critical role in shaping public understanding of Hezbollah’s positions and actions, both regionally and internationally.

Who is Sheikh Naim Qassem?

Born in 1953 in Beirut, Qassem hails from a family with roots in Kfar Fila, southern Lebanon.

He pursued education in both religious and scientific disciplines. Under the tutelage of top Islamic cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, he studied theology.

Alongside his religious studies, Qassem earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Lebanese University, highlighting his commitment to intellectual growth and diverse academic interests.

The new Hezbollah leader was instrumental in establishing the Lebanese Muslim Students Union in the 1970s, becoming one of its founding members.

His political activism began with the Lebanese Shia Amal Movement. However, the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran significantly influenced him and other young Lebanese Shia activists, leading him to part ways with Amal.

Qassem played a crucial role in the establishment of Hezbollah. He participated in key meetings that led to the group’s formation and has since remained an influential figure within it.

In 1991, he was appointed Hezbollah’s deputy chief by then-Secretary General Abbas al-Musawi.

Throughout the years, Qassem served as the general coordinator for Hezbollah’s parliamentary election campaigns, beginning in 1992 when the group first entered elections.

He is also a prolific writer. He authored the 2005 book Hezbollah: The Story from Within, which provides a unique insider’s perspective on Hezbollah’s history and operations.

This book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the movement’s background and evolution and has been translated into several languages, including English.

He is a staunch supporter of the anti-Zionist struggle. In his recent speech on October 15, Qassem vowed that the resistance would stop Israel’s destructive force, regain control, and restore order, expressing his belief that their cause would ultimately prevail.

“We are facing a rampaging beast that cannot tolerate the resistance blocking its objectives; I assure you, we will hold its reins and return it to its pen,” he stressed.

On October 8, Qassem stated that the fight between Hezbollah and Israel is a “war” over who would break first, affirming that Hezbollah would not yield.

Qassem became the first high-ranking Hezbollah official to deliver televised remarks after Nasrallah’s assassination, reaffirming the movement’s resolve to continue his path.

In his September 30 speech, he assured that Hezbollah would swiftly appoint a new leader and continue its resistance against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians.

He emphasized that Hezbollah’s efforts marked only the beginning of a potentially long struggle until the liberation of the occupied Palestinian territories and al-Quds.

During his 19-minute address, Qassem expressed determination and commitment to the cause, insisting that Nasrallah’s assassination would not weaken Hezbollah’s resolve or derail its mission.

“What we are doing is the bare minimum… We know that the battle may be long, but we will prevail as we did in the liberation of 2006 in the face of the Israeli enemy,” he stated.

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