Longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month, is replaced by Naim Qassem.
After Israel murdered the majority of Hezbollah’s leadership in a series of attacks, he is one of the few senior leaders of the group still alive.
The appointment coincides with the recent escalation of the Lebanon conflict.
Naim Qassem served as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary general for almost 30 years, making him one of the organization’s most recognizable figures.
According to Hezbollah’s regulations, he was chosen by the Shura Council. Although his current location is unknown, some rumors indicate he has escaped to Iran, the primary ally of Hezbollah.
He was born in 1953 to a southern Lebanon family in Beirut.
One of the original members of Hezbollah, Qassem has given three broadcast speeches since Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
He stated in one address that Israel could not ensure the return of its citizens to the north unless there was a truce.
Qassem was described as “bearing the blessed banner in this march” in a statement issued by Hezbollah to announce his elevation.
The message also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict, including the late Nasrallah.
