Israel continues to target Hezbollah leadership, following the recent assassination of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Now, Israel claims to have eliminated Hashem Safieddine, the likely successor to Nasrallah, international media reported.
Lebanon is preparing for a secret cremation ceremony for Nasrallah, and Israel’s strike on Beirut has sparked widespread reactions in Lebanon, Iran, and within Hezbollah. However, neither Hezbollah nor Lebanese authorities have confirmed Safieddine’s death.
Safieddine, who led Hezbollah’s executive council and managed its political affairs, also served on the Jihad Council, overseeing military operations. He is a cousin of Nasrallah and, like him, a cleric who wears the black turban. The US designated him a terrorist in 2017. After a Hezbollah commander’s death in June, Safieddine warned of an escalation against Israel, signalling Hezbollah’s stance and support for the Palestinian cause.
In related news, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the death of Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, head of Hamas operations in Tulkarm, West Bank. Oufi, who was responsible for supplying weapons to Hamas militants and planning numerous attacks, was killed after leading a failed car-bombing attempt in Ateret on September 2, according to the IDF.
