Jerusalem: Israel has reportedly targeted Hashem Safieddine, the cousin of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his likely successor, in a series of airstrikes that mark the latest escalation in the Middle East. Safieddine, known for his central role in Hezbollah’s leadership, was targeted in a bunker strike that some sources claim exceeded the intensity of the attack that eliminated Nasrallah.
Safieddine’s Fate Unclear Following Israeli Strike
Israeli officials told Axios that Safieddine was hiding in one of Hezbollah’s deepest underground bunkers. While the extent of the damage caused by the strikes has been confirmed, there is still no official word on whether Safieddine survived or was eliminated in the attack. Israeli military sources have not yet confirmed his status, leaving his fate uncertain for now.
Hezbollah’s Strategic Leader: Hashem Safieddine
Hashem Safieddine has been regarded as the most likely successor to Hassan Nasrallah, the former chief of Hezbollah. Born in Lebanon in 1964, Safieddine has led Hezbollah’s Executive Shura Council since 1992 and is closely tied to Iran’s leadership, having studied in the Iranian city of Qom. His influence within Hezbollah extends to political affairs and military strategy, with deep connections to Iran’s Ayatollahs and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Safieddine’s son, who headed operations within the IRGC, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in 2020, further cementing the family’s role in Iran-backed operations in the region.
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Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah’s Weapons Production Chain
In a separate development, Israeli fighter jets also killed senior Hezbollah operative Muhammad Yosef Anisi, who was responsible for overseeing the terrorist organization’s precision-guided missile production. Anisi had been involved with Hezbollah for over 15 years and was considered a technological expert in weapons manufacturing. His death represents a significant blow to Hezbollah’s capabilities in munitions production.
The airstrike that eliminated Anisi targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence division in Beirut, aiming to dismantle its missile production chain. Israel’s military confirmed the strike, highlighting its ongoing operations to neutralize Hezbollah’s strategic assets.
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U.S. Designation of Hashem Safieddine
Safieddine has long been designated a terrorist by the U.S. Treasury Department due to his senior leadership role within Hezbollah. As a key figure in the Executive Shura Council, he oversees Hezbollah’s political and military decisions. His role in coordinating between Hezbollah and Iran places him at the forefront of the group’s strategic operations.
Though Hezbollah has not officially confirmed the name of Nasrallah’s successor, Safieddine remains the most likely candidate due to his influence and leadership within the organization.
