Naim Kassem, newly elected Secretary General of Hizbullah, took over under challenging circumstances following the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Initially hesitant in his public appearance, Kassem has since improved his speeches but faces the daunting legacy of his predecessor. Hizbullah is in a precarious position, battling Israeli forces while grappling with internal political pressure. Critics suggest that Kassem’s authority may be limited, with strategic direction increasingly influenced by Iran, diminishing Hizbullah’s independent operational capacity.
When Naim Kassem faced the cameras shortly after Hassan Nasrallah’s passing, he appeared far from assured. Sweating and stumbling through his speech, with a dim lamp illuminating him and an ordinary wall unit behind him, his unusual presentation did little to inspire the Hizbullah fighters mourning their revered leader. For many Lebanese, this moment was more comical than reassuring.
Fast forward four weeks, and Kassem appears to have regained his footing. His speeches have improved, and he has officially assumed the role of his predecessor, who was killed in an attack by Israel. On Tuesday morning, Hizbullah announced Kassem’s election as the new Secretary General by the Shura Council. At 71 years old, he now leads the influential Lebanese Shia militia amidst one of its most challenging crises.
Established in 1982, Hizbullah boasts tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of rockets. Currently, it is engaged in a fierce conflict against the Israeli military. The group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed on September 27 during an Israeli airstrike on his underground hideout in Beirut, which followed his initiation of armed support for Hamas over a year ago. Nasrallah had directed the organization for more than three decades, and his designated successor, Hashem Safieddine, perished shortly after.
Skilled Orator, Diplomat, and Politician
Kassem has been tasked with keeping the “flame of resistance” alive and ensuring its banner continues to wave until victory is secured, according to an official statement. However, these lofty goals cannot mask the weight of the legacy he is inheriting. Nasrallah was not just an extraordinary orator; he transformed Hizbullah into a formidable, multinational militia with influence that transcended Lebanese borders.
While Kassem has extensive experience, having served as Nasrallah’s deputy secretary general since 1991 and hailing from the turbulent southern region of Lebanon, he is perceived to have exerted minimal influence on the militia’s military strategies, which have historically been shrouded in secrecy.
Instead, Kassem has been known for his roles as a speaker at conferences, maintaining diplomatic relations, engaging in interviews, and managing Hizbullah’s political endeavors, which include parliamentary representation and governmental positions in Lebanon. He even authored a book about the organization in 2006, which is available in English.
Direction Set in Tehran
Kassem faces a daunting challenge ahead. Hizbullah can barely operate openly within Lebanon, as its members are pursued by Israeli drones. Its fighters remain engaged in combat against Israeli ground forces in the south, while the militia faces mounting domestic political pressure, with various parties calling for its disempowerment or disarmament.
Therefore, Kassem needs to find ways to reconstruct the organization, but the scope for maneuvering may be limited. Hizbullah has reportedly suffered significant losses among its military personnel. The troops are still operational, capable of launching precision missile strikes against Israel. However, many now speculate that strategic decisions may be dictated not from Beirut, but from Iran.
There are claims that Kassem has been in Tehran since early October. If this holds true, it suggests Hizbullah may have transitioned from a semi-autonomous actor to a satellite organization of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Consequently, Lebanese voices may have diminished influence over matters of war, peace, or potential ceasefires, leaving Kassem in the role of spokesperson tasked with sharing decisions made elsewhere.