November 18, 2024
Nasser Kandil
• The occupying entity attempts to frame the assassination of Haj Mohammad Afif within the context of the Caesarea operation targeting the occupying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – claiming that announcing it, alongside threats of similar attempts to come, constitutes a military statement rather than a media act – linking Afif to alleged military roles in managing battlefronts and orchestrating deep strikes within the entity. Despite these claims, the assassination of Hezbollah’s Media Relations Officer remains an unmistakable attempt to dismantle the Resistance’s media apparatus.
• The Resistance never possessed an institutionalised media front in the conventional sense; rather, it had Haj Mohammad Afif and his unparalleled network of relationships. This composed, diligent, and articulate intellectual played a decisive role in shaping Hezbollah’s engagement with media institutions and journalists. Through his efforts, he forged an extensive network of connections with media outlets and figures – ranging from allies to opponents, and even adversaries. While maintaining a strict red line with outright antagonists, Afif respected differences and viewed dialogue as the cornerstone for managing conflicts, earning him widespread respect among Lebanese, Arab, and international journalists.
• In times of war and crisis, Afif was the gateway for journalists to secure facilitation and respect, acting as a trusted advocate for their rights and dignity. Throughout the Resistance’s history, Haj Mohammad Afif stood as its media architect, sharing this vital role with the resistance’s leadership. His journey began in 1982, working alongside Sheikh Ragheb Harb, overseeing the Scholars of Jabal Amel Assembly, and becoming a trusted figure for Secretary-General Sayyed Abbas Al-Mousawi. Later, his collaboration with Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah over three decades became instrumental in designing and promoting Hezbollah’s media discourse and strategy.
Haj Mohammad Afif’s ethical conduct, sharp political acumen, unwavering diligence, and profound understanding of Lebanon’s complexities solidified his influence in shaping perceptions and earned him widespread respect. He was deeply committed to engaging with those labelled by some as “the other”, even during periods of discord. His dedication to understanding all perspectives drove him to closely follow diverse publications and immerse himself in the political and strategic analyses of regional conflicts, as well as American and Israeli policies.
• Following the assassination of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, during the transitional period before a new leader was elected, Afif’s bold and self-sacrificial presence filled the leadership void. Through a series of fearless press conferences, he offered a clear analysis of the political and military landscape, galvanising Hezbollah’s forces, rallying supporters, and reassuring its base. He emphasised the Resistance’s battlefield steadfastness, from unwavering attacks and consistent missile fire to its strategic clarity – elements he framed as equally vital alongside other efforts. His efforts seamlessly bridged military successes with political discourse, bringing the message of resilience and defiance to the forefront, ensuring the continuity of the Resistance’s vision and morale during a critical juncture.
• The assassination of Haj Mohammad Afif was not merely the targeting of an individual but a calculated strike on the Resistance’s media front, which had achieved remarkable victories over the occupying entity’s propaganda machine. Under Afif’s leadership, the Resistance’s media succeeded in exposing the occupation’s military failures, underscoring the strength and cohesion of the Resistance, and instilling despair within the occupying society about the futility of war. Simultaneously, it fortified the confidence of the Resistance’s support base, proving the worth of their sacrifices and inspiring steadfastness.
• Afif’s assassination marks the loss of a unique chief of staff for the Resistance’s media front, a figure difficult to replace. His role is akin to the strategic loss suffered by Hezbollah and the Resistance with the martyrdom of Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, or the regional military loss of Haj Qassem Soleimani. The significance of Afif’s contributions lies not only in the position he held but also in the unique individual he was – a sentiment shared by the hundreds of journalists from diverse backgrounds who now grieve the loss of a trusted and irreplaceable friend.
