October 30, 2024
By Nasser Kandil
• In line with the timeline previously discussed by Sheikh Naim Qassem in his capacity as Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, the election of a new Secretary-General marks the final step in completing the organisational restructuring and filling the voids left by the recent security blows dealt to Hezbollah. Organisationally, Hezbollah could have continued under the collective leadership model it adopted following the assassination of its Secretary-General. However, with confidence that its organisational and resistance structures have recovered, Hezbollah felt it was time to return to its natural hierarchy, with a Secretary-General at the helm.
• Having a Secretary-General is essential to Hezbollah’s organisational framework – a structure not easily altered or suspended within such a large, institutionalised organisation, governed by strict guidelines. In Hezbollah’s system, electing a new Secretary-General is easier than attempting to amend or bypass its regulations. Sheikh Naim Qassem’s unanimous selection as leader was a natural fit, particularly given the void left after the martyrdom of former Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and subsequently Executive Council Head Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. Sheikh Qassem, previously a joint candidate with Sayyyed Safieddine, became the sole choice following Sayyyed Safieddine martyrdom due to his established stature, depth of knowledge, and command over both political and organisational matters.
• Hezbollah could have chosen Sheikh Qassem as Secretary-General and refrained from announcing it publicly, thereby meeting its internal requirements without exposing him to risks. However, the organisation saw concealing this choice as a potentially damaging message, one they should avoid. Sheikh Qassem had already become a target due to his position, influence, and, particularly, his interim leadership following the absence of a Secretary-General. Keeping his appointment secret could only heighten the targeting attempts, given that his visibility as a leader is already established. Opting not to announce would signal a position of weakness and fear within the organisation, even if only internally. Publicly declaring his appointment, on the other hand, was a declaration of readiness to confront the risks head-on.
• This announcement reflects Sheikh Qassem’s personal willingness to bear the consequences, including martyrdom – a powerful message reflecting Hezbollah’s strength both in its structure and base. It demonstrates that the organisation itself is prepared to embrace the challenge, having analysed past targeting attempts, identified vulnerabilities, and addressed them. Confident in its bolstered defensive capabilities, Hezbollah believes the occupying entity now has diminished chances of reaching its leadership. The resistance’s success in confronting security and intelligence challenges further consolidates its standing in the ongoing confrontation.
• Certainly, Hezbollah would not risk its newly elected Secretary-General merely to showcase its readiness for the challenge. This decision reflects its confidence in having resolved the critical puzzles of past targeting attempts, empowering it to face this new phase with a reinforced sense of security.
