Major blow to Hezbollah: Israel confirms the killing of next-in-line leader Safieddine
In a dramatic development that reshapes the power dynamics in Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the elimination of Hashem Safieddine, the presumed successor to Hezbollah’s leadership, in a precise strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier this month.
Key Developments
The Israeli military revealed Tuesday that their October 4 airstrike on the Dahiyeh district successfully targeted and killed two top Hezbollah figures:
- Hashem Safieddine: Head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council and cousin to former leader Hassan Nasrallah
- Ali Hussein Hazima: Commander of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters
The strike, which targeted an underground bunker, also claimed the lives of 25 other Hezbollah intelligence officials, marking one of the most significant blows to the organization’s command structure in recent history.
Leadership Vacuum
The killing of Safieddine creates a significant leadership void within Hezbollah. Currently, Naim Qassem remains the only visible senior leader of the organization. While serving as the group’s public face since Nasrallah’s death, sources indicate he lacks the charismatic appeal that made his predecessor so influential among supporters.
Strike Details
Hezbollah’s main intelligence headquarters, reportedly built “in the heart of a civilian population” in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb, was the target of the IDF operation. This underground facility served as a crucial command center for the organization’s operations.
Escalating Tensions
This confirmation comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Israel.
- Fighting began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
- Conflict intensified after Israel’s launch of “Operation Northern Arrows” on September 23.
- Recent Israeli strikes in Greater Beirut killed 18 people, including four children.
- The toll in Lebanon over the past year exceeds 2,500 deaths and 11,850 wounded.
International Response
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Israel Tuesday, urged Israeli leaders to use recent military successes, including the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, as an opportunity to work toward ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
Safieddine’s Background
Born in 1964 in southern Lebanon, Safieddine was
- A founding member of Hezbollah
- I received my education in the holy city of Qom in Iran.
- Manager of Hezbollah’s business interests
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia designated him as a terrorist in 2017.
Unlike his predecessor Nasrallah, who maintained a low profile, Safieddine continued to make public appearances at political and religious events, even during periods of heightened tension with Israel.
Looking Ahead
The elimination of Safieddine, coming shortly after Nasrallah’s death, marks a significant shift in Hezbollah’s leadership structure. The organization faces the challenge of appointing new leadership while maintaining its operational capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Israel.
As the situation continues to develop, the impact of these strikes on Hezbollah’s command structure and their potential response remains a critical concern for regional stability.
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