Hezbollah Faces Leadership Changes Amid Airstrikes

Senior Hezbollah commander Nabil Qaouk was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, marking another significant blow to the Iran-backed militant group following the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, two days earlier. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Nasrallah's elimination as crucial in weakening Hezbollah's operational capacity. Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah's cousin, is widely considered the most likely successor to lead Hezbollah. Safieddine, who has deep ties with Iran and has been managing Hezbollah's financial operations for decades, is known for his militant stance and public criticism of US policies. The US designated Safieddine as a terrorist in 2017. Despite the immediate leadership transition to deputy chief Naim Qassem, the Shura Council will formally elect the new secretary-general.