Naim Qassem has been appointed as the new leader of Hezbollah following the death of Hassan Nasrallah. In his first address, Qassem indicated that a ceasefire with Israel would require Hezbollah’s conditions. Israeli officials claim significant military successes against Hezbollah, discussing a potential 60-day ceasefire contingent on specific demands. Despite these developments, Hezbollah has continued missile attacks, while Iran has retaliated against Israel for Nasrallah’s death. The conflict persists amidst rising anti-Semitic incidents and geopolitical tensions.
“If the Israelis choose to halt their aggression, we will agree, but only on our terms,” Qassem declared on Wednesday during his inaugural address as the new head of Hezbollah. He went on to note that there is no viable plan in place at this time.
- New Hezbollah leader insists on maintaining ‘war strategy’
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- Naim Qassem appointed as Hezbollah’s new leader
According to reports from Israeli media, U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk and the U.S. special envoy for Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, are set to visit the region on Wednesday. Their mission is to explore potential ceasefire conditions with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. They will be looking to advance an agreement proposed by Hochstein that is rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Hezbollah Leadership Decimated
Following a series of recent military operations, the Israeli army reports a significant impact on Hezbollah’s leadership and infrastructure. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated on Wednesday that Israel is now in a ‘position of strength’ after dismantling the entire Hezbollah leadership and targeting over 2,000 Hezbollah bases. The Israeli security cabinet has been deliberating over ceasefire conditions with Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Television Channel 12 has reported that Netanyahu reviewed the requirements for a 60-day ceasefire with his cabinet on Tuesday night. Key conditions include the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces beyond the Litani River—30 kilometers from the Israeli border—the establishment of a Lebanese army presence along the border, an international mechanism to uphold the ceasefire, and assurances that Israel would maintain the right to defend itself against threats.
Missile Attack Reported
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on Tuesday that Hezbollah’s remaining rocket and missile capabilities are estimated at 20%. He noted that the militia had been forced out of all border villages. However, Hezbollah launched a surface-to-surface missile on Wednesday, activating rocket alerts across several cities and towns in northern and central Israel.
In the wake of the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah has appointed his deputy, Naim Qassem, as the new head of the organization. The Shura Council confirmed on Tuesday that Sheikh Naim Qassem has been elected as Secretary General. Qassem previously stated that Hezbollah would continue its ‘struggle’ until victory over Israel was achieved.
Iran’s Retaliation Increases Tensions
Nasrallah was killed during an Israeli military operation in Beirut on September 27. Initially, Hashem Safieddine, head of the Hezbollah Executive Council, was considered a potential successor, but he was also confirmed dead following an Israeli strike in early October. In retaliation for Nasrallah’s death, Iran launched an attack involving around 200 missiles on October 1.
Naim Qassem, 71, is one of the original members of Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982. He became the deputy secretary general of the group in 1991. Unlike Nasrallah, who remained largely hidden after the Lebanon War, Qassem has continued to be visible in public. Following Nasrallah’s demise, he has delivered three televised addresses, the latest occurring on October 15.
Hezbollah is part of the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a coalition led by Iran aimed against Israel, which includes the radical Palestinian group Hamas from Gaza and the Houthi militia from Yemen. Their ultimate goal is the eradication of Israel.