Hezbollah's highest-ranking official, Naim Qassim, delivered a televised statement, marking the first public address by a figure from the group since the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Qassim, a prominent Shiite cleric known for his religious knowledge and scholastic prowess, was born in 1953 in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila.
Qassim, who was a candidate to lead Hezbollah before Nasrallah's appointment, is considered a key member of the old guard within the organization. He played a pivotal role in the founding of Hezbollah in 1982 and has since held the position of deputy secretary-general for seven consecutive terms starting from 1991. Additionally, Qassim is responsible for overseeing the group's parliamentary activities.
Prior to Nasrallah's assassination, Qassim served as the group's second-in-command and frequently engaged in media interviews. In 2015, he authored the book 'Hezbollah: The Story from Within,' which provided insights into the group's political ideology and principles.
Qassim's public address comes at a critical juncture for Hezbollah, following the loss of its leader Nasrallah. As a respected figure within the organization, Qassim's words are likely to carry significant weight among Hezbollah's supporters and allies.
