Hezbollah Leadership: The Rise of Hashem Safieddine

Hashem Safieddine, confirmed killed by Israel's military, was seen as Hassan Nasrallah's likely successor for Hezbollah. He played crucial roles in the organization's operations and finances, maintaining ties with Iran. During the past year's hostilities, Safieddine prominently represented Hezbollah, and was declared a global terrorist by the U.S.

Hashem Safieddine, whose killing was recently confirmed by the Israeli military, was widely perceived as the likely successor to Hassan Nasrallah in leading the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

A relative of Nasrallah, Safieddine had taken on leadership roles within the group after Nasrallah's assassination, heading its Jihad Council and Executive Council to oversee both military and financial affairs. Within the Middle East, he was seen as a key figure of Hezbollah during recent conflicts.

Amidst heightened tensions, Safieddine had assumed a public stance at events that Nasrallah avoided for security reasons, voicing Hezbollah's solidarity with its allies. He has long maintained strong ties with Iranian backers and faced U.S. sanctions as a designated terrorist.

(With inputs from agencies.)