Israel’s Defense Minister Warns Hezbollah Leader Won’t Last “Long”

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant cautioned Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Qassem, on Tuesday, hinting that his leadership might be short-lived. Gallant shared a photo of Qassem on X with the caption, “Temporary appointment. Not for long,” and separately in Hebrew, he posted that the “countdown has begun.”

Hezbollah had announced earlier that Qassem would succeed Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in south Beirut the previous month. According to Hezbollah, Qassem was elected by its Shura Council, the primary decision-making body, as part of its commitment to maintaining resistance until “victory” is achieved over Israel, following the outbreak of war on September 23.

Qassem, 71, was one of Hezbollah’s original founders in 1982 and had served as deputy secretary general since 1991. He stepped into the spotlight after Nasrallah’s death, having delivered three formal addresses, contrasting with Nasrallah’s more casual style. Although Qassem has less charisma and public presence than his predecessor, he emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness and voiced support for parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. He also stated that a ceasefire would be necessary to ensure the safe return of Israeli residents in the north.

Hezbollah’s Palestinian ally, Hamas, endorsed Qassem’s appointment, viewing it as proof of the group’s resilience. However, reports suggest that the Shura Council may choose a new leader once the conflict subsides.

Since Israel escalated its military actions against Hezbollah in late September, over 1,700 fatalities have been reported in Lebanon, though the actual toll may be higher. The Israeli Defense Forces have reported losing 37 soldiers in the ongoing campaign in Lebanon.