Hezbollah’s New Leader, Naim Qassem: Background and Role
Naim Qassem, who served as deputy to the late Hassan Nasrallah for over three decades, is now Hezbollah’s new secretary-general. His appointment follows Nasrallah’s assassination by Israel on September 27, and Hezbollah confirmed his leadership on Tuesday through its Telegram channel.
Who is Naim Qassem?
Qassem is a veteran Shia political figure with deep roots in Lebanese and Hezbollah politics. Born in the village of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon—a region frequently targeted by Israeli attacks—Qassem joined the Movement of the Dispossessed in the 1970s under Imam Musa al-Sadr, which later evolved into the Amal Movement. However, he left Amal and helped found Hezbollah in 1982, becoming one of the group’s foundational leaders.
Qassem’s religious guidance was heavily influenced by the late Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, a highly respected Shia cleric in Lebanon, and Qassem himself has a history of teaching religious studies in Beirut.
Qassem’s Role and Contributions in Hezbollah
Qassem has held key responsibilities within Hezbollah, including overseeing parts of its educational network and playing a visible role in the group’s parliamentary activities. Since 1991, he served as deputy secretary-general under both Abbas al-Musawi and Nasrallah. Known for his public presence, he is also a member of the influential Shura Council and authored Hizbullah, the Story from Within in 2005, which has been translated into multiple languages, offering insight into Hezbollah’s inner workings.
What His Leadership Means for Hezbollah
As one of the few surviving senior Hezbollah figures, Qassem’s leadership likely represents continuity for the organization. Following Nasrallah’s death, some thought the Shura Council would wait until Israel’s current conflict with Hezbollah concludes to elect a new leader. However, Qassem was chosen amid the ongoing hostilities, cementing his role during a critical moment for the group.
Unlike Nasrallah and other leaders who wore black turbans, symbolizing descent from the Prophet Muhammad, Qassem wears a white turban, underscoring his status as a religious teacher but not a descendant of the Prophet. His appointment is seen as a pragmatic choice for Hezbollah, providing stability during an unprecedented period of loss among its ranks and a decline in support from some of its domestic allies.
As Hezbollah faces increased challenges, Qassem’s extensive experience and public recognition may help maintain the group’s internal cohesion, even as it confronts significant political and military pressures.