First Appearance of Nasrallah’s Deputy: What Were the Key Points He Raised?

In his first public appearance following the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continue its response to Israeli aggression. He emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness for a long battle with the Israeli occupation, as part of the ongoing support front that has been declared.

In a televised speech on Monday, Qassem paid tribute to Nasrallah and refuted the Israeli narrative about a meeting involving 20 Hezbollah leaders. He clarified that those present at the targeted location were Nasrallah, his head of security, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official, and senior party leader Ali Karaki.

Selecting a New Secretary-General

Regarding the selection of a new Secretary-General, Qassem stated: “We continue to follow the leadership and manage the confrontation according to the party’s structure, which includes deputies for leaders and replacements for commanders. Given the current circumstances, we have taken the necessary steps to activate the alternatives, and we will select a new Secretary-General for the party as soon as possible, in accordance with the party’s established mechanism for such appointments.”

He added, “If Israel believes that its determination to engage in brutality will help it achieve its objectives, it is delusional. The path that Nasrallah led and supervised remains ongoing, with its goals firmly intact.”

Qassem stressed that “despite the loss of leaders, the sacrifices made, and the attempts to sow confusion, we will not waver from our position. We will continue to support Gaza and Palestine, defend Lebanon and its people, and respond to the assassinations.”

He concluded by affirming the “continuation of resistance operations at the same pace,” noting that “Malha Adumim, which is 150 kilometers away, was struck, as well as Haifa with a missile, forcing one million Israelis into shelters.”