Israel Confirms Elimination of Hezbollah Leader Safieddine, Nasrallah’s Heir
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah leader and heir to Hassan Nasrallah, was eliminated in an airstrike in southern Beirut. The strike occurred three weeks ago, targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, according to the IDF. Safieddine, who headed Hezbollah’s Executive Council, oversaw the group’s financial and administrative affairs. He was also a key figure on the Jihad Council, responsible for military operations.
This airstrike, based on intelligence, also killed Ali Hussein Hazima, Hezbollah’s Intelligence Directorate chief, along with other high-ranking commanders. Over 25 Hezbollah operatives were present during the strike, including Bilal Saib Aish, who managed aerial intelligence for the group.
Although Israel officially confirmed the operation, Hezbollah has yet to respond. Safieddine’s leadership role followed Nasrallah’s assassination by Israel on September 27. Safieddine, a relative of Nasrallah, had been co-leading Hezbollah with Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem. His death leaves a significant void in Hezbollah’s leadership structure.
On October 8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Lebanon, stating that Israeli forces had successfully “taken out thousands of terrorists,” including Nasrallah and his successor, Safieddine.
The airstrike in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh underscores Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the leadership of the Iran-backed group. Israel’s precise targeting and intelligence-gathering capabilities were critical in this latest operation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s silence fuels speculation about its next move amidst rising tensions in the region.
