The president of Hezbollah's Executive Council, Hachem Safieddine, surrounded by his bodyguards. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/OLJ archives)
A week after assassinating Hassan Nasrallah, Israel is now targeting his designated successor. At midnight on Oct. 4, Israel carried out a massive strike against the southern suburb of Beirut, which, according to Israeli media, was aimed at Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, who is likely to be appointed as the new secretary-general. However, these leaks have not been officially confirmed either by Hezbollah or even by Israel. The Shura Council (consultative council), the decision-making body of the party, had refrained from formalizing his election as head of the organization to avoid making him a target. However, Tel Aviv seems determined to cripple Hezbollah, even the entire pro-Iranian axis. Moreover, Safieddine represents one of the last elements of stability within Hezbollah, having been groomed for years...
A week after assassinating Hassan Nasrallah, Israel is now targeting his designated successor. At midnight on Oct. 4, Israel carried out a massive strike against the southern suburb of Beirut, which, according to Israeli media, was aimed at Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, who is likely to be appointed as the new secretary-general. However, these leaks have not been officially confirmed either by Hezbollah or even by Israel. The Shura Council (consultative council), the decision-making body of the party, had refrained from formalizing his election as head of the organization to avoid making him a target. However, Tel Aviv seems determined to cripple Hezbollah, even the entire pro-Iranian axis. Moreover, Safieddine represents one of the last elements of stability within Hezbollah, having been groomed for...