Hezbollah leader-in-waiting killed in Israeli airstrike

Hezbollah has confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, a high-ranking official and heir apparent to its current leader Hassan Nasrallah, following an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military had reported his death earlier in the week, which Hezbollah has now acknowledged.

Safieddine was a prominent figure within Hezbollah, overseeing its financial and administrative affairs as the head of its executive council. He also played a key role in the group’s military operations as a member of its Jihad Council, the body responsible for directing Hezbollah’s military activities.

A relative of Nasrallah, Safieddine had taken on increased responsibilities in recent years, representing the organization during clashes with Israel and standing in for Nasrallah at key events, particularly when security concerns prevented the Hezbollah leader from attending.

His death is a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership, as Israel continues its military campaign targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, the eastern Beqaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Safieddine was widely expected to succeed Nasrallah as Hezbollah's next secretary-general, though no official announcement had been made regarding his appointment.

[With information from Reuters]