Hezbollah's highest-ranking official, Naim Qassim, delivered a televised statement, marking the first public address by a figure from the group since the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Qassim, a prominent Shiite cleric known for his religious knowledge and scholastic prowess, was born in 1953 in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila.
Qassim, who was a candidate to lead Hezbollah before Nasrallah's appointment, is considered a key member of the old guard within the organization. He played a pivotal role in the founding of Hezbollah in 1982 and has since held the position of deputy secretary-general for seven consecutive terms starting from 1991. Additionally, Qassim is responsible for overseeing the group's parliamentary activities.
