Naim Qasim has taken over as the new head of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed organization. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary-General and Second in Command, Qasim now steps up to lead due to his seniority and experience. Hezbollah’s former chief, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, leaving Qasim to fill the role.
The Hezbollah Shura Council appointed 71-year-old Qasim as Secretary-General, recognizing his long-standing influence in the organization. Since 1991, he has served as Deputy General Secretary, expanding his role and authority within Hezbollah.
After Nasrallah’s death, Qasim intensified his presence, addressing supporters once in Beirut and twice in Tehran. In one speech, he advocated for a ceasefire with Israel, signalling a potential shift in Hezbollah’s approach under his leadership.
Initially, reports suggested Hashim Saifuddin would succeed Nasrallah. However, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut also killed Saifuddin, leaving Qasim as the leader. Sources reported that Qasim travelled to Iran on October 5 to safeguard his position.
A UAE-based news agency confirmed Qasim’s departure from Beirut to Iran, with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Ajab Aragchi, recently meeting with Lebanon and Syria officials. Reports indicated that Qasim joined Aragchi on his flight to Iran.
Qasim’s political journey began with the Shia Amal movement in Lebanon, but he shifted allegiance following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. He participated in the first meetings of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, helping to establish Hezbollah after Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon.