Hezbollah has introduced that the group’s deputy secretary-general will turn into its new chief.
Naim Qasim replaces long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut final month.
He was one of many few senior Hezbollah leaders to outlive after Israel killed most of its leaders in a collection of assaults.
The appointment comes as battle in Lebanon intensifies in latest weeks.
Naim Qasim has served as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general for greater than 30 years and is likely one of the group’s most recognizable faces.
Hezbollah stated he was elected by the Shura Council in accordance with the group’s guidelines. His whereabouts are unclear, however some experiences say he has fled to Iran, Hezbollah’s most important backer.
He was born in Beirut in 1953 to a southern Lebanese household.
Qasim was one of many founding members of Hezbollah and has since Nasrallah’s He has given three televised speeches since he was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
In his speech, he stated a ceasefire was the one manner for Israel to ensure the return of residents to the north.
Hezbollah issued a press release when saying Qasim’s promotion, saying he “carried excessive the sacred flag on this march.”
The assertion additionally paid tribute to the late Nasrallah and others who misplaced their lives within the battle.
The brand new Hezbollah management was anticipated to be handed over by cleric Hashem Safieddine, however on October 22 It was revealed that he had been killed Israeli air strikes almost three weeks in the past.
Israeli Protection Minister Yov Galant responded to Qasim’s appointment on social media, saying it was a “non permanent appointment” and “is not going to final.”
Israel has carried out airstrikes throughout Lebanon in latest weeks, focusing on Hezbollah operatives, infrastructure and weapons.
On Monday evening, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes within the Bekaa Valley in japanese Lebanon, an space the place Hezbollah has a robust presence.
The Lebanese Ministry of Well being stated a minimum of 60 folks died and greater than 50 have been injured.
The Israeli army has not but commented on the assault.
Israel has launched an offensive towards Hezbollah after the struggle in Gaza sparked almost a yr of cross-border hostilities, saying it wished to make sure the secure return of border residents displaced by Hezbollah rocket, missile and drone assaults.
In response to the Lebanese Ministry of Well being, greater than 2,700 folks have been killed and almost 12,500 injured in Lebanon over the previous yr.
Hezbollah attacked Israel with hundreds of rockets and drones throughout the identical interval, killing a minimum of 59 folks in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.
