Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who led the militant group for 32 years, has been confirmed dead by the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based organization. This marks a significant turning point in the history of Hezbollah, raising concerns about the future of the group and its ongoing conflict with Israel.
Nasrallah’s Legacy
Born in 1960 in East Beirut, Hassan Nasrallah became a central figure in Lebanon’s political landscape and was regarded as the de facto ruler of the country despite holding no formal office. Middle East expert Hussain Abdul-Hussain told the NDTV, “He rules by televised speech. The rest of the state… learn the fate of their country and tailor their policies in accordance with what they hear Nasrallah saying.”
Nasrallah’s journey into the world of militant resistance began during the Lebanese Civil War. After briefly joining the Amal movement, he transitioned to Hezbollah in 1982, shortly after its founding by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah evolved from a militia resisting Israeli occupation into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon.
ALSO READ: Netanyahu holds 2 maps at UN: India finds itself in the ‘Blessing’ map; Palestine missing from both
One of the key moments in his career of Hassan Nasrallah was Hezbollah’s role in Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, an achievement that significantly boosted his standing.
Hassan Nasrallah was known for his uncompromising stance against Israel. In his words, “I don’t believe in the state of Israel as a legal state because it was founded on occupation.”
The Impact of Nasrallah’s Death
Nasrallah’s death is likely to destabilize Hezbollah, though the group is expected to survive. According to analyst Lina Khatib of Chatham House Policy Institute, “Hezbollah will not collapse if Nasrallah is killed or incapacitated, but this will be a major blow to the group’s morale. It would also underline Israel’s security and military superiority.”
This leadership vacuum comes at a time when Hezbollah is heavily engaged in conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, Hezbollah has intensified its rocket fire into Israel, escalating the situation into one of the most severe conflicts since the 2006 Lebanon War.
ALSO READ: After Hassan Nasrallah death news, Iran moves Khamenei to safe location
In addition to morale, the group’s military capability could be impacted. Nasrallah’s death follows a series of targeted strikes on Hezbollah leadership, further undermining the group’s command structure. Israeli military success has played a critical role in this destabilization, with high-profile assassinations and recent pager blast attacks shaking the organization.
Who Will Succeed Hassan Nasrallah
Hezbollah now faces a significant leadership challenge. The most likely successor to Hassan Nasrallah is Hashem Safieddine, who oversees Hezbollah’s political affairs and serves on the group’s Jihad Council. Safieddine, a cousin of Hassan Nasrallah, has been groomed for leadership over the years and has a strong clerical background. His designation as a terrorist by the US in 2017 underscores his prominent role within Hezbollah.
Safieddine’s potential leadership could influence Hezbollah’s direction, particularly as it continues to maintain ties with Iran and seeks to navigate its complex relationship with Lebanon’s internal factions.
ALSO READ: ‘Nasrallah will no longer terrorize the world’: Israel confirms Hezbollah leader’s death
Hassan Nasrallah’s death signals a major shift for Hezbollah, a group he transformed into one of the most powerful non-state actors in the region. While his successor is likely to be Hashem Safieddine, it remains unclear how Hezbollah will adapt to this change as it continues its long-standing conflict with Israel. What is certain is that Nasrallah’s departure will leave a lasting impact on Hezbollah’s structure, operations, and its position in the Middle East.
