The Cousin Expected to Take Over Hezbollah After Nasrallah

He is believed to have been one of the targets during Israel's bombing on Friday evening – when Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed – but is said to have survived. As a cousin to the Shia militia's iconic leader, Hashem Safieddine is one of the most likely successors to the leadership position.

» Updated: October 08 2024

» Published: September 28 2024

The Cousin Expected to Take Over Hezbollah After Nasrallah
Photo: Bilal Hussein/AP/TT

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Like his relative, Hashem Safieddine wears the black turban, which indicates that he is a direct descendant of the Muslim prophet Muhammed.

The family connection, and the physical resemblance to the revered Nasrallah within the movement, is believed to facilitate his cousin's potential path to the position of power.

Safieddine is theologically educated and is currently responsible for Hezbollah's education system and financing.

Terror-listed

However, although his areas of responsibility primarily concern the group's political activities, he is also heavily involved in the military. He sits on the so-called "Jihad Council", which oversees military operations, and often expresses himself with calls for battle and solidarity with Palestinian warriors.

Most recently, in June, at the funeral of the high-ranking Hezbollah commander Taleb Sami Abdullah, Safieddine delivered a speech with threats of escalation and revenge against Israel.

The USA has had him on its list of terror-listed individuals since 2017.

Expected to take over soon

According to some analysts, Nasrallah has given his cousin tailored positions precisely with the intention that Safieddine will one day be able to take over the organization.

As Israel has attacked a large number of Hezbollah's leadership in recent weeks, other potential claimants to power have been killed.

According to the New York Times, three sources within the terror-listed movement can confirm that Safieddine's new position as Secretary-General of Hezbollah may be announced shortly.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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