Naim Qassem: What to expect from Hezbollah's new leader

In a significant leadership transition amid the ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza, Hezbollah’s Shura Council elected Shia cleric Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General last week.

The appointment follows the assassination by Israel of former leader Hassan Nasrallah and later his cousin, potential successor Hashem Safieddine, in airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, marking a crucial moment in the organisation's four-decade history.

Born in 1953 in the southern village of Kfar Fila, Qassem brings both religious scholarship and academic credentials to the role, holding a master's degree in chemistry alongside his religious education, combining scientific and theological training in a way that is likely to impact his leadership style.

As one of Hezbollah's founders in 1982 and long-time deputy to both former secretary generals Abbas al-Musawi and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah since 1991, he represents continuity in the organisation's leadership while bringing his own distinctive perspective.

Qassem's political journey began with the Amal Movement in 1974, where he served on the leadership council before departing during the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979 to join the nascent Hezbollah organisation.

His 2002 book titled 'Hizbullah: The Story from Within' remains a foundational text explaining the party's ideology and evolution. The book was revised and updated four times, most recently in 2010, demonstrating Qassem’s role as both a political leader and an intellectual force within the powerful paramilitary and political group.

Ali Matar, a Political Science Professor at the Islamic University of Lebanon, says Qassem’s experience in managing both political and religious portfolios gives him a deep understanding of Lebanese internal politics and its main players, positioning him to manage the complex challenges facing the party in the post-war phase.

The transition to Qassem following Nasrallah’s 32-year leadership comes at a critical moment, with colossal challenges facing the organisation.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant wrote a post on X last week that Qassem’s appointment was “… temporary. Not for long” and in Hebrew he added "the countdown has begun," highlighting the immediate threat of assassination facing the new leader.

Despite these threats, Qassem has maintained a visible presence, demonstrating what observers describe as composure under pressure.

Professor of politics and international relations Faisal Musleh argues that Qassem's resilience will serve him well.

"Each leader has their own style and approach,” Musleh told TNA, emphasising Qassem's extensive experience through multiple conflicts alongside Nasrallah, giving him a strong foundation to lead the party in this critical phase.

In his inaugural speech, his fourth since Nasrallah’s assassination, Qassem set a defiant tone, pledging to maintain Hezbollah's core mission to resist Israel and stating that Hezbollah will become stronger internally and externally when the war ends.

"The party's project and approach will continue," he declared, emphasising ongoing support for Gaza and the Palestinian cause, stating that Hezbollah will not “beg for a ceasefire”.

However, experts note that his academic background and diplomatic experience may influence how these commitments are pursued.

Musleh believes it is premature to determine how Qassem will interact with Lebanese political forces, as his previous speeches were within the general framework set by his predecessor Nasrallah.

“However, Qassem is pragmatic and has a deep understanding of the Lebanese political formula, which may help him build relationships with various parties and sects, especially as the party seeks to enhance its internal stability and national cohesion," says Musleh, adding that some see him as less flexible in his approach.

Journalist Areej Kokash, who has covered the extensive bombardment of southern Lebanon since Israel launched its aggression in September, says Qassem's recent appearances show "a high level of confidence and composure," noting that his anticipated role in future negotiations alongside Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will be crucial for both military and political outcomes, particularly as Lebanon navigates the complexities of regional diplomacy.

Relations with Iran

Amid rumours of his whereabouts, with some reports suggesting he is in Iran for his protection, the organisation's relationship with Tehran remains a subject of intense speculation.

"Given the party's close relationship with Iran, it's natural for Qassem to have connections and with high-level officials inside Iran and be loyal to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei," says Matar.

However, he emphasises that the Shura Council's independent decision-making in selecting Qassem demonstrates the organisation's autonomy in internal matters.

Looking ahead, Musleh suggests Qassem's leadership will focus on "restructuring the non-military sectors, while the military file will remain under special management".

This pragmatic approach, combined with Qassem’s finesse in navigating Lebanese politics, enables him to handle the immediate military challenges and long-term political relationships.

"His experience will enable him to adapt his approach to political and security variables in Lebanon and the region," Musleh explains.

But the true test of Qassem's leadership will come in the post-war phase.

As Kokash notes, questions remain about whether he can match Nasrallah's success in managing reconstruction efforts, as seen after the 2006 war.

"Comparing Qassem to Nasrallah should be avoided," says Matar, noting that "Nasrallah's personality was distinctive and his presence was different”.

Qassem’s appointment sends a clear message about Hezbollah's resilience and autonomy, says Kokash, denying rumours of Iranian interference in the party’s operations.

“Hezbollah manages its affairs independently," says Kokash. “This independence under Qassem will herald a new chapter in Hezbollah's evolution that maintains its core principles while adapting to changing regional dynamics.”

"Hezbollah is an ongoing project regardless of the individuals who lead it," says Matar.

Under Qassem's leadership, the organisation signals its intention to remain a powerful force in Lebanese politics while maintaining its resistance strategy against Israel.

Most importantly, concludes Matar, is Hezbollah's relationship with the Lebanese interior.

“The party's orientation will be towards strengthening national unity, social cohesion, and non-discrimination. It will also confront the political projects of parties that seek to exploit the war to achieve political goals, while emphasising that Hezbollah will remain strong and will not allow any political project to pass without its involvement," says Matar.

This article was published in collaboration with Egab.