Who is Hashem Safieddine? The likely successor to Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah's new face

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah have left the Iran-backed group at a crossroads. Confirmed by Hezbollah, Nasrallah led the organization for 32 years before his death on Friday. This event poses a significant challenge for the group as it seeks to select a new leader after facing the most intense military pressure in its 42-year history.

Who is Hashem Safieddine: The Likely Successor

Hashem Safieddine, who is viewed as Nasrallah's potential heir, currently serves as the head of Hezbollah's executive council. In this role, he oversees the political affairs of the group and also holds a position on the Jihad Council, which manages military operations. A source within Hezbollah indicated that Safieddine survived the recent Israeli strikes.

As a cousin of Nasrallah and a cleric who wears the black turban signifying descent from Islam's Prophet Mohammed, Safieddine's family ties and religious standing enhance his candidacy for leadership. His public statements often reflect Hezbollah's militant stance and commitment to the Palestinian cause. For instance, during a recent event in Dahiyeh, he declared, “Our history, our guns and our rockets are with you,” demonstrating solidarity with Palestinian fighters.

U.S. Designation and Rhetoric

In 2017, the U.S. State Department designated Safieddine as a terrorist. Following the death of another Hezbollah commander in June, he threatened a significant escalation against Israel, stating, “Let (the enemy) prepare himself to cry and wail.” This rhetoric underscores his alignment