Hezbollah's Naim Qassem Relocates to Iran Amid Israeli Threats
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- October 22, 2024
- 11:41 am
- 28
- Current Affairs
Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem fled to Tehran on October 5, fearing an Israeli assassination attempt. According to UAE-based Erem News, Qassem left Beirut on an Iranian aircraft with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This move was reportedly ordered by Iran’s leadership amid the escalating conflict with Israel.
Fleeing Beirut
Qassem’s departure followed intense Israeli military operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leadership. The Israeli Air Force, as part of Operation "Northern Arrows," began bombing Hezbollah strongholds. This included Dahieh, a Hezbollah-controlled suburb in southern Beirut. This operation killed multiple Hezbollah leaders. It included their top commander, Hassan Nasrallah, who died on September 27.
Erem News, citing an Iranian source, reported, “His transfer was ordered by top leaders of the Islamic Republic due to fear of assassination by Israel.” The report also highlighted that Qassem’s departure came as his name appeared on Israel’s assassination list.
Rising Assassination Threats
Qassem has stepped into a more public role since Nasrallah’s assassination. Following Nasrallah's death, Qassem delivered three speeches, one in Beirut and two from Tehran. His presence in Iran has raised speculation about his future role in the group. Some see Qassem as a possible successor to Nasrallah.
“Qassem delivered three speeches since the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah by Israel on September 27, one from Beirut and the other two from Tehran,” the report said.
Qassem's speeches reflect a growing threat to Hezbollah’s leadership as Israel continues to target its commanders. The deaths of several high-ranking Hezbollah members, including Ali Karaki, Fuad Shukr, and Nabil Kaouk, have left the group's hierarchy vulnerable. Hezbollah has yet to officially confirm a new Secretary-General.
Iran’s Role in Qassem’s Move
Qassem’s move to Tehran underscores Iran’s deep involvement with Hezbollah. The group, which was established with the backing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the 1980s, remains a central element of Iran’s regional strategy. It is part of the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel. Tehran's decision to shelter Qassem highlights the strategic importance of preserving Hezbollah's leaders from Israeli threats.
Erem News noted, “The move was reportedly ordered by high-ranking Iranian officials due to Qassem's presence on an Israeli wanted list,” further indicating Tehran’s role in protecting him.
Escalating Israeli Strikes
Israel’s military campaign has escalated since Nasrallah’s death, with Operation "Northern Arrows" intensifying strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon. Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, has been heavily bombed, resulting in significant damage to the group’s infrastructure. In addition to targeting senior commanders, Israeli forces confirmed airstrikes on Hezbollah’s command centers and weapons facilities.
A recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut reportedly killed three senior Hezbollah figures: Alhaj Abbas Salameh, Radja Abbas Awache, and Ahmad Ali Hussein. Israeli military officials said the strike targeted "Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters." It showed their aim to eliminate Hezbollah's leadership.
Qassem’s Role Going Forward
Qassem has emerged as a key figure within Hezbollah, especially after Nasrallah’s death. In his latest speech from Tehran, Qassem outlined Hezbollah's military strategy. It focuses on "inflicting pain" on Israeli forces. His speeches suggest that Hezbollah’s leadership, though weakened by Israel’s strikes, is preparing for a continued confrontation.
While Hezbollah has yet to confirm a new leader, Qassem’s relocation to Tehran indicates that he may be taking on a more central leadership role. The group has not officially declared Qassem as Nasrallah's successor. But, with many top commanders dead, Qassem is a likely candidate for Hezbollah's leadership.
His presence in Tehran is a calculated move by Hezbollah. It aims to protect its leadership amid rising Israeli pressure. How Hezbollah responds to this leadership crisis and Qassem’s evolving role will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the group.
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