In an ongoing war and after the assassination of Hezbollahs leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Israeli warplanes continue to conduct a series of attacks in Lebanon. On Wednesday night, October 2, 2024, Hashem Safieddine cousin and likely to be the successor of Nasrallah was targeted by Israeli airstrikes during a meeting with Hezbollah officials.

This bombardment was one of the most severe attacks that took place in the region since the assassination of the former Hezbollah leader. However, this remains unclear whether Saffieddine was killed in the attack or not.

This attack was primarily aimed at eliminating Hezbollahs leadership, following Israel carried out attacks in Southern Lebanon over the past week.

Who is Hashem Safieddine?

Hashem Safieddine is a high-ranking figure in Hezbollah and is a key contender for the leadership. He is Nasrallahs cousin and is currently serving as the head of Hezbollahs executive council since 1998. He oversees the groups political affairs.

Apart from his political position, Saffieddine is a cleric. He wears a black turban, reflecting a symbol of ancestral heritage from Islams Prophet Mohammed. His pivotal role and leadership in Hezbollahs Jihad Council makes him among the influential figures of the group.

Along with being religious status, Saffiedine had close family ties with Hassan Nasrallah, due to which he has a great deal of credibility in the group. His evolution as Hezbollahs leader could continue to solidify Hezbollah as the strongest military group. In his recent statements, he has showcased his sheer support for Palestinian fighters and pledged Hezbollahs ongoing resistance against Israel.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Palestinians, at a gathering in Beiruts Southern Suburbs, stating, Our history, our guns, and our rockets are with you.”

He has a notable record of militancy and opposition to Western policies, particularly in the United States. In 2017, the US State Department Classified him as a terrorist, holding Hezbollah responsible for attacks claiming hundreds of Americans. These include the 1998 Suicide truck Bombings of the US Embassy and the Marine Barracks in Beirut, the 1984 US Embassy Annex Bombing in Beirut, and the 1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847.

Current Situation of Lebanon?

Additionally, Israel has continued to hit Beirut by carrying a series of attacks with fresh airstrikes in its ongoing war with Hezbollah. According to Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations said there are “a lot of options” for retaliation and would show Tehran its strength “soon”.

Meanwhile, On Thursday, Israel claimed that Hezbollah had launched about 230 rockets from Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed that it fired two salvos of rockets, pointing at the “Sakhnin base” for military industries in Haifa Bay on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel.

Hezbollah also attacked Israel’s “Nesher base” in Haifa with a salvo of Fadi 2 rockets. Israel, which has been fighting Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza for over a year, sent troops into Lebanon on Tuesday after two weeks of intense airstrikes attack from Israel. The United States has also directed thousands of troops to the Middle East. This was to bolster security and defend Israel if necessary. This deployment also includes fighter jets and other aircraft bringing a total number of 43,000 troops to the region.