Hashem Safieddine, a prominent figure within the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah, has passed away.
The 60-year-old leader was killed during a series of Israeli airstrikes in a southern suburb of Beirut in early October, which also caused widespread tremors throughout the Lebanese capital.
Israeli authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Safieddine was among those targeted in these incursions, a part of Israel’s broader military strategy against Hezbollah, and the group affirmed his death the following day.
His death occurred at a pivotal moment as he was anticipated to succeed Hassan Nasrallah, one of Hezbollah’s founders, who had recently died.
Safieddine, who was related to Nasrallah as his maternal cousin, had been preparing for this leadership role for years; however, an announcement regarding the transition was delayed after the September 27 airstrike that took Nasrallah’s life, further destabilizing the organization.
Characterized by his distinctive black turban and notable gray beard, Safieddine bore a striking resemblance to Nasrallah.
He was renowned for his impassioned speeches that rallied Hezbollah’s commitment to oppose Israel at any cost.
Safieddine was well-known in Lebanon, holding esteemed positions within Hezbollah’s Shura Council and the military Jihad Council, and he led the Executive Council responsible for social and educational programs.
The timing of his death is particularly challenging for Hezbollah.
Following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli response in Gaza, Hezbollah began launching various projectiles towards Israel, leading to continuous exchanges of fire.
The situation escalated significantly in recent weeks with Israel targeting high-ranking Hezbollah leaders and reportedly destroying countless communication devices used by the organization.
Israel has since initiated a ground offensive aimed at pushing Hezbollah forces away from the border.
Although an official announcement regarding leadership succession post-Nasrallah had not been made, it was understood that Safieddine had already been managing the organization while his deputy, Naim Kassem, was recognized as the acting leader.
The future leadership of Hezbollah remains uncertain, particularly after another potential successor, Nabil Kaouk, was killed in an Israeli operation shortly after Nasrallah’s death.
Both Safieddine and Nasrallah carried the title of sayyid, signifying their esteemed lineage linked to the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
Since Hezbollah’s establishment during Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, it has always been led by a cleric.
During a recent tribute for Hezbollah members who were victims of an attack involving exploding communication devices, Safieddine passionately asserted Hezbollah’s resolve to resist and retaliate against aggression.
“This aggression will definitely face its special punishment. This punishment is definitely coming,” he asserted at the event, where several devices detonated, resulting in injuries to those in attendance.
Safieddine’s connections to Iran were notable, with his son Rida married to Zeinab Soleimani, daughter of General Qassem Soleimani, the former leader of Iran’s Quds Force, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in 2020.
Additionally, Safieddine’s brother, Abdallah, serves as Hezbollah’s liaison in Tehran, a significant role due to Iran’s extensive support for the group, including financial and military assistance.
In May 2017, the United States, along with several Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, imposed sanctions on a selection of key Hezbollah officials, including Safieddine, Kassem, and Nasrallah.