Not for long: Israel’s message to Hezbollah after new chief’s appointment

Hezbollah named Naim Qassem as its new leader, following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, prompting Israel to dub it a “temporary appointment”.

In a statement, Hezbollah announced that Qassem’s appointment follows the established mechanism for choosing a secretary general. He has been a prominent figure in the organisation, often serving as a spokesman during cross-border hostilities with Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant responded to Qassem’s appointment with scepticism, posting on X, “Temporary appointment. Not for long,” alongside a photo of the new leader.

Israel’s government later echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Qassem’s tenure may be brief, stating, “His tenure in this position may be the shortest in the history of this terrorist organisation if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors.” The Israeli government emphasised its stance that the only solution for Lebanon is the dismantling of Hezbollah as a military force. “There is no solution in Lebanon except to dismantle this organisation,” it declared.

Qassem’s leadership comes at a tumultuous time for Hezbollah, particularly after the deaths of Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, another senior figure considered a potential successor. Since his appointment, Qassem has made several televised addresses, including one on October 8, where he expressed support for efforts to establish a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Qassem was appointed as Hezbollah’s deputy chief in 1991 by the armed group’s then-secretary general, Abbas al-Musawi, who was killed by an Israeli helicopter attack the following year. While Qassem is a veteran leader, he is perceived by many in Lebanon as lacking the charisma and gravitas of his predecessor, Nasrallah, which may affect his ability to unite the group during this critical period.