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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