The appointment of Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General of Hezbollah was not a surprising political shift; rather, it was a predictable outcome of the party's internal circumstances.
Following the assassination of Hashem Safieddine, Hassan Nasrallah’s potential successor, Qassem stands as the only viable candidate for this position. As the Deputy Secretary-General, it follows naturally that he would assume leadership in the absence of both Nasrallah and his successor.
Hezbollah could not afford to be without a Secretary-General, while claiming of restored cohesion and influence. This leadership transition effectively solidifies the image he aims to project to its base and to the Lebanese, Arab, and international public opinion, both politically and militarily.
https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1300043/hezbollah-no-change-in-the-game