Hashem Safieddine: Target of Israeli Strikes and Potential Successor to Hassan Nasrallah

In the present tussle going on between Israel and Hezbollah, Hashem Safieddine has succeeded in embroiling himself in the conflict following the recent Israeli bombardments on him in Lebanon. He is a high-ranking official of Hezbollah and a cousin of the deceased Hassan Nasrallah, thus placing Safieddine in the line of succession to Nasrallah, who died a few days before in an Israeli operation.

The context of the strikes

On October 3, 2024, the Israeli military carried out a large number of air strikes, described as unprecedented in their severity, on the southern district of Beirut and specifically aimed at Hashem Safieddine. This operation is in line with Israel’s ongoing campaign to control the activity of Hezbollah’s top leaders, already compromised by recent air assaults. It has been reported that Safieddine was in the company of other senior Hezbollah leaders at the time of the strikes, but it is not clear if he was killed in the attack.

Who is Hashem Safieddine?

Hashem Safieddine is active in Hezbollah as one of the first members of the organization since its formation in the 1980s. He chairs the executive council of the group, contributing to the group’s decision-making through the Shura Council as well as the Jihad Council, and oversees military activities. Safieddine’s bond with Iran only increases his relevance to Hezbollah’s practical outlook and its military as well as political operations.
Due to his increase in power within Hezbollah, Sharif has also been viewed as someone who could help bridge the divides in the group’s ranks, especially in the wake of Nasrallah’s demise. Hurmiz identified in abundant references his connection to the Nasrallah legacy as a pragmatic strategy that could politically bolster the cementing of leadership during such chaotic times for the organization.

Implications of Targeting Safieddine

The decision to target Hashem Safieddine was an indication of an understanding of the new Israeli doctrine on how to deal with military interference by Hezbollah. When, for instance, wars occurred in the past, leaders such as Nasrallah and Safieddine would be immune from attack; this is no longer the case, as it seems to be asserted. In regards to Hezbollah, Israeli officials explained that they will be focusing on the leaders of the organization as a result of the fight against the Iranian identity.
The repercussions of these strikes could be severe. For instance, if Safieddine is indeed eliminated, there will be a power vacuum in Hezbollah that may result in chaotic conflict among the possible successors. On the other hand, if he does manage to survive, it may cause the emergence of his leadership and consolidation of the Treasury for Hezbollah.

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Conclusion

The narrative around Hashem Safieddine captures one story that has played out many times within and outside the Middle East. While Israel is increasing its military press over Hezbollah and the threat of the Iranian regime is escalating, the positions of optimists like Safieddine become critical in the shifting of power bases within Lebanon and elsewhere. Such processes are of concern to the international community as such processes are taking place since they may considerably alter the status quo regarding the region’s peace and security.

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