Nasrallah's cousin, Hashem Safieddine, could take over as Hezbollah's leader: Who is he?

Iran-backed group Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday, marking one of the heaviest blows to the organisation in its 42-year history.

While Hezbollah grapples with the death of its long-time leader, attention has shifted to Hashem Safieddine, widely considered the frontrunner to succeed him.

Safieddine, who survived the Israeli attack, has long been regarded as a key figure within Hezbollah’s leadership.

A cousin of Nasrallah, he shares many of the late leader’s traits, including his status as a cleric who wears the black turban, symbolising descent from Islam’s Prophet Mohammed.

Currently serving as Hezbollah’s executive council head, Safieddine oversees the group’s political operations and is a member of the powerful Jihad Council, which manages its military strategy.

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His influence in both the political and military spheres makes him a central figure within Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Safieddine has been vocal in his militant stance, particularly in his support of the Palestinian cause. During a recent event in Dahiyeh, Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut, he declared, “Our history, our guns and our rockets are with you.”

In 2017, the US State Department designated Safieddine as a terrorist, citing his role in Hezbollah’s activities.

Safieddine responded to US pressure with defiance, condemning the administration of then-President Donald Trump as “mentally impeded” and asserting that American actions would only strengthen Hezbollah’s resolve.

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Analysts say Safieddine’s close family ties to Nasrallah, his resemblance to the late leader, and his clerical status within Lebanon’s Shiite community could all play in his favour as Hezbollah looks to appoint a new leader.

“Nasrallah started tailoring positions for him within a variety of different councils within Lebanese Hezbollah,” said Phillip Smyth, an expert on Iran-backed militias. Safieddine’s public presence has steadily grown over the years, with more frequent speeches and appearances at key events.

Known for his fiery rhetoric, Safieddine recently threatened an escalation against Israel following the death of another Hezbollah commander, stating, “Let (the enemy) prepare himself to cry and wail,” in a public address.

With inputs from Reuters