Hezbollah confirms Hassan Nasrallah’s death: This cleric could lead the group next

Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon has confirmed its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah’s death, after Israel said it had “eliminated” him in a strike on south Beirut on Friday, according to a report in Barron’s.

This development has triggered significant speculation regarding the future of the militant group. The 64-year-old Nasrallah led Hezbollah for 32 years. Under him, the group transformed from a militia focused on resistance to Israeli occupation into a political force.

Replacing Nasrallah is going to be a tedious task, especially given the Israeli military’s successes that have already substantially affected Hezbollah’s leadership structure. The group is not expected to collapse entirely, but its leader’s death is going to present challenges.

Could Hashem Safieddine lead Hezbollah after Nasrallah’s death?

Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination is going to be a major hit to the group’s morale, according to analyst Lina Khatib of the Chatham House Policy Institute as quoted by Reuters. The potential ramifications extend beyond morale, they may also affect military capabilities.

Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in a year-long exchange of fire across the Lebanese border. The former increased its rocket fire into Israel since the October 7 attack on Israeli cities by the Palestinian group Hamas.The question of succession floats around after Nasrallah’s death. Currently, Hashem Safieddine is seen as the likely successor. He oversees Hezbollah’s political affairs and is also Nasrallah’s cousin. The US department of state designated him a terrorist in 2017.