Hashem Safieddine

Hashem Safieddine was the U.S.-designated head of Hezbollah’s Executive Assembly, responsible for overseeing Hezbollah’s political, social, cultural, and educational activities. He was one of seven elected members of Hezbollah’s ruling Shura Council.Casey L. Addis and Christopher M. Blanchard, “Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service, January 3, 2011, 11, https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R41446.pdf; Jonathan Masters and Zachary Laub, “Hezbollah (a.k.a. Hizbollah, Hizbu’llah),” Council on Foreign Relations, January 3, 2014, http://www.cfr.org/lebanon/hezbollah-k-hizbollah-hizbullah/p9155. He was reportedly next in line to lead Hezbollah as the successor to Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September 2024.Dudi Cohen, “Nasrallah replacement chosen,” YNet, October 13, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3608528,00.html. Safieddine died in an Israeli strike in Lebanon in October 2024, shortly after Israel killed Nasrallah.Michael Crowley, Aaron Boxerman, Gabby Sobelman and Ephrat Livni, “Israeli Military Says It Killed Top Hezbollah Leader,” New York Times, last updated October 23, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/22/world/israel-iran-lebanon-hezbollah.

Safieddine had been part of Hezbollah’s hierarchy since the group’s inception in 1982.“Beirut Marine Barracks Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, October 18, 2017, https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/13/world/meast/beirut-marine-barracks-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. In the 1980s, Safieddine reportedly received leadership training in Iran and in 1992, he took over the Executive Assembly after its previous head, Hassan Nasrallah, became secretary-general.“INSIGHT - HZ - More details on reshuffling,” Wikileaks, March 11, 2013, https://wikileaks.org/gifiles/docs/10/1012276_insight-hz-more-details-on-reshuffling-.html. After accusing Israel of planning to assassinate Hezbollah’s leadership, Nasrallah named Safieddine as his successor in October 2008Roee Nahmias, “Nasrallah: Georgia lost because of Israel,” YNet, August 14, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3582864,00.html. and two months later named Safieddine his successor.Dudi Cohen, “Nasrallah replacement chosen,” YNet, October 13, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3608528,00.html.

Safieddine had spoken forcefully against Israel and the U.S. and has guaranteed Hezbollah’s resolve as it fights on behalf of Syrian President Bashar Assad in his country’s civil war.“Designated terrorist Hashem Safieddine says Hezbollah ‘will not leave Syria’,” Al Arabiya English, July 22, 2018, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2018/07/22/Blacklisted-Hezbollah-leader-says-Lebanese-militias-won-t-leave-Syria-.html. Safieddine was Nasrallah’s maternal cousin.“Syria and Iran Come to a Temporary Understanding over Hezbollah,” Stratfor, November 26, 2010, https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/syria-and-iran-come-temporary-understanding-over-hezbollah. His brother, Abdallah Safieddine, represented Hezbollah in Tehran.Michael Isikoff, “Bank accused of laundering drug money for Hezbollah,” NBC News, February 10, 2011, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41512092/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/bank-accused-laundering-drug-money-hezbollah/#.VQnZhY7F9ks.

On October 7, 2023, Iran-backed and longtime Hezbollah ally Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing at least 1,200 people. Israel subsequently declared war against Hamas and launched a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.“What is Hezbollah, the group backing Hamas against Israel?,” Reuters, October 31, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-is-hezbollah-group-backing-hamas-against-israel-2023-10-30/; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7; Ibrahim Dahman and Abeer Salman, “Hamas announces ‘Al-Aqsa Storm,’ claims to have fired 5,000 rockets,” CNN, October 7, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a. Hezbollah and Hamas both belong to the “Axis of Resistance,” an alliance of Iran-backed groups across the Middle East targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.“What is Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based group backing Hamas?,” Reuters, April 9, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-is-hezbollah-group-backing-hamas-against-israel-2024-02-15/; “Iran’s allies in Iraq, Yemen threaten U.S. over intervention in Israel,” Reuters, October 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/senior-iraqi-political-figure-threatens-target-us-interests-if-it-backs-israel-2023-10-10/. On October 8, Hezbollah began a year-long campaign launching rockets, drones, and missiles toward northern Israel.“Israel, Hezbollah exchange artillery, rocket fire,” Reuters, October 8, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-lebanon-after-hezbollah-hits-shebaa-farms-2023-10-08/.

In response to ongoing Hezbollah attacks, on June 11, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a rocket attack on a Hezbollah command-and-control center in Jouaiyya in southern Lebanon. The airstrike killed Taleb Sami Abdullah, a veteran field commander, as well as three other Hezbollah operatives. According to the IDF, Abdullah was responsible for planning and carrying out numerous terror attacks against Israelis.David Gritten, “Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets into Israel after strike kills commander,” BBC News, July 12, 2024, https://bbc.com/news/articles/c6pp01dge3no. Safieddine spoke at Abdullah’s funeral on June 12, where he vowed Hezbollah would increase the strength and frequency of their attacks against Israel. By that evening, Hezbollah launched 215 projectiles toward Israel, targeting an Israeli military headquarters and a military air surveillance station. According to the Israeli military, there were no reports of casualties. It was one of Hezbollah’s largest attacks since October 2023.Euan Ward, “Hezbollah Launches Rocket Barrage After Israeli Strike Kills a Commander,” New York Times, June 12, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/world/middleeast/hezbollah-rockets-israel-strike.html.

In response to Hezbollah’s rocket barrage, on June 14, the IDF launched a rocket attack, targeting Safieddine’s home in Deir Qanoun in southern Lebanon. According to media sources, the strike targeted Safieddine, deputy Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, and co-founder and former leader Subhi al-Tufayli. Shortly after, an unidentified Hezbollah spokesman claimed the building was empty when it was struck down.“Two killed and at least 20 injured in Israeli strike near Deir Qanoun,” L’Orient Today, June 14, 2024, https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1417298/paramedic-killed-and-at-least-20-injured-in-israeli-strike-near-deir-qanoun.html.

On September 27, 2024, an Israeli airstrike killed Nasrallah in Beirut. After Nasrallah’s death, Safieddine and Qassem jointly ran Hezbollah. Safieddine was reportedly in line to formally take over, though Hezbollah did not officially confirm the transition. Those expectations were cut short, however. In early October, an IDF airstrike targeted a meeting of senior Hezbollah leaders in Beirut. Israeli officials suspected Safieddine had died in the strike but did not confirm the killing until October 22.Michael Crowley, Aaron Boxerman, Gabby Sobelman and Ephrat Livni, “Israeli Military Says It Killed Top Hezbollah Leader,” New York Times, last updated October 23, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/22/world/israel-iran-lebanon-hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed Safieddine’s death on October 23.“Hezbollah’s Hashem Safieddine, heir apparent to Nasrallah, killed in Israeli attack, group says,” Reuters, October 23, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollahs-hashem-safieddine-heir-apparent-nasrallah-killed-israeli-attack-group-2024-10-23/.

Also Known As

Extremist entity
Hezbollah
Read Threat Report
Type(s) of Organization:
Militia, political party, social-service provider, terrorist, transnational, violent
Ideologies and Affiliations:
Iranian-sponsored, Islamist, jihadist, Khomeinist, Shiite
Position(s):
Head of Executive Assembly (deceased)

Hezbollah is an Iranian-sponsored, internationally sanctioned terrorist group with an anti-Israel and anti-U.S. agenda. Hezbollah is primarily based in Lebanon, but has carried out terrorist and criminal operations around the world.

  • Designations
  • Rhetoric

United States

  • The U.S. Department of State lists Hashem Safieddine as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 in May 2017.“State Department Terrorist Designations of Hashem Safieddine and Muhammad al-Isawi,” U.S. Department of State, May 19, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/05/270982.htm.

Saudi Arabia

  • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated Hashem Safieddine as a terrorist under its Law of Terrorism Crimes and Financing and Royal Decree A/44 in May 2017.“State Department Terrorist Designations of Hashem Safieddine and Muhammad al-Isawi,” U.S. Department of State, May 19, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/05/270982.htm.

June 12, 2024

After Hezbollah launches its largest rocket barrage toward Israel since it began its campaign in October 2023:

“If the enemy is screaming and moaning about what happened to it in northern Palestine, let him prepare himself to cry and wail.”James Mackenzie and Laila Bassam, “Hezbollah fires most rockets yet in war after Israel kills a top commander,” Reuters, June 12, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strike-lebanon-kills-four-including-senior-hezbollah-commander-2024-06-11/.

June 12, 2024

Speaking at the funeral of Taleb Sami Abdullah, a field commander killed in an IDF strike:

“Experience has proven that the more leaders are martyred, the more stable and entrenched the resistance becomes…We will increase our operations in intensity, strength, quantity and quality.”David Gritten, “Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets into Israel after strike kills commander,” BBC News, June 12, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6pp01dge3no.

Jul. 16, 2021

“Today, the one who has destroyed Lebanon is the United States, which continues to interfere in all of the affairs of this country.”“Hezbollah Official: US behind All Sufferings in Lebanon,” Tasnim News Agency, July 17, 2021, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2021/07/17/2539505/hezbollah-official-us-behind-all-sufferings-in-lebanon.

May 17, 2021

Addressing Palestinians and referring to Israel’s presence in the Middle East:

“We in Hezbollah look to the day where we will fight together, with you, side by side and shoulder to shoulder, on all fronts to extract this cancerous cell. This day is coming, it’s inevitable.”Zeina Karam, “On the sidelines, Hezbollah looms large over Gaza battle,” Associated Press, May 21, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-beirut-lebanon-middle-east-business-a113a62bc6816ef98512fc5280385484.

May 19, 2020

“We are perfectly ready to confront any act of aggression or instance of folly that the Zionist regime could commit. The resistance movement is currently assured and well aware of its approach and choices in the event of such a confrontation with the enemy.”“Liberation of Al-Quds Main Goal of Resistance Front: Hezbollah,” Tasnim News Agency, May 20, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/05/20/2270305/liberation-of-al-quds-main-goal-of-resistance-front-hezbollah.

Mar. 14, 2015

“The axis of resistance in the region is stronger and more deeply rooted than they [the Lebanese anti-Syrian March 14 coalition] think.” “Hezbollah: March 14 National Council ‘a joke,’” Daily Star, March 15, 2015, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Mar-15/290846-hezbollah-march-14s-national-council-a-joke.ashx?utm_source=Magnet&utm_medium=Entity%20page&utm_campaign=Magnet%20tools.

Oct. 2014

“Honestly speaking, we should say that the assistance Iran has provided at this crucial stage (in Lebanon) as the clashes between the army and terrorists rage on, is an appropriate and laudable help, because it would strengthen the army in practice, not just in words.” “Hezbollah Lauds Iran’s Military Aid to Lebanon,” Alalam, October 4, 2014, http://en.alalam.ir/news/1637930.

Aug. 26, 2014

“It is natural to expect our enemies to try and undermine our work and movement, and they have worked to do so throughout the past decades and have failed, and they are failing today.”“Hezbollah’s hospital expands despite U.S. sanctions,” Daily Star, August 27, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-27/268605-hezbollah-hospital-expands-despite-us-sanctions.ashx?utm_source=Magnet&utm_medium=Entity%20page&utm_campaign=Magnet%20tools.

Feb. 5, 2014

“These stupid people are disillusioned if they think that with a suicide bomber here and a crazy man there they can alter the balance or affect this society [of resistance]. This is because we are a society that knows how to transform injustice and aggression into resistance, strength.”Rima S. Aboulmona, “Identity of Shoueifat suicide bomber remains a mystery,” Daily Star, February 5, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Feb-05/246414-identity-of-shoueifat-suicide-bomber-remains-mystery.ashx?utm_source=Magnet&utm_medium=Entity%20page&utm_campaign=Magnet%20tools.

Apr. 2013

“We believe that our stance in Syria is a strength for the resistance and that the confrontation taking place in Syria is targeted against the resistance and its weapons.”“Safieddine: Our Stance in Syria a Strength for Resistance, We'll Emerge Victorious,” Naharnet, April 28, 2013, http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/81192.

Feb. 2013

“We are aware of what is happening in Syria, and we are courageous and more ready than ever for resistance.”Dexter Filkins, “After Syria,” New Yorker, February 25, 2013, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/02/25/after-syria.

Feb. 2013

“We are more sure every day that the challenges we face from Israel, America, and the Arab countries are huge—and that the Arab countries are spending money to destroy Syria and Hezbollah.”Dexter Filkins, “After Syria,” New Yorker, February 25, 2013, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/02/25/after-syria.

Nov. 2011

“What the US seeks today in the region today is the same that it sought to do in Lebanon during the recent years. As it failed in Lebanon, its project in the region will also fail.” Sayyed Safi Al-Din: Invoking foreign Interference A National Betrayal,” Alahed News, November 7, 2011, http://www.english.alahednews.com.lb/essaydetails.php?eid=15651&cid=385#.VQiA4Y7F9ks.

Oct. 12, 2011

“The US is the farthest country from democracy.” Sayyed Safi al-Din: To Stand a Firm Barrier in Face of US Fragmentation, US Suffering Weakness,” Alahed News, October 12, 2011, http://212.28.242.152/~emqw83im/essaydetails.php?eid=15372&cid=385#.VQiPZ47F9kt.

Sep. 15, 2011

“The conspiracy against the Lebanese resistance continues since its inception. The resistance has proven its ability to cope and foil the bets plotted against it through policies and misinforming propaganda.”“Sayyed Safi al-Din: Who Wanted to Isolate Resistance is Isolated,” Islamic Invitation Turkey, September 17, 2011, http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2011/09/17/sayyed-safi-al-din-who-wanted-to-isolate-resistance-is-isolated/.

Sep. 15, 2011

“The resistance is no longer an option but turned to a rooted destiny that no power in the world can change.”“Sayyed Safi al-Din: Who Wanted to Isolate Resistance is Isolated,” Islamic Invitation Turkey, September 17, 2011, http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2011/09/17/sayyed-safi-al-din-who-wanted-to-isolate-resistance-is-isolated/.

Sep. 15, 2011

“Western countries today are troubled and confused in light of the ongoing changes and they are moving in their way to collapse.”“Sayyed Safi al-Din: Who Wanted to Isolate Resistance is Isolated,” Islamic Invitation Turkey, September 17, 2011, http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2011/09/17/sayyed-safi-al-din-who-wanted-to-isolate-resistance-is-isolated/.

Aug. 9, 2009

The Israeli-Lebanese “war of 2006 will seem like a joke” next to Hezbollah's reaction if Israel should attack. Zohar Blumenkrantz, Irit Rosenblum, Amos Harel, and Avi Issacharoff, “Lebanon army on alert after reported IDF build-up on border,” Haaretz, August 10, 2009, http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/lebanon-army-on-alert-after-reported-idf-build-up-on-border-1.281701.

Jun. 2008

“What happened in the prisoner issue is proof that the word of the resistance is the most faithful, strongest and supreme.”Ethan Bronner, “Israel Agrees to Exchange Prisoners for Dead Soldiers,” New York Times, June 30, 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/world/middleeast/30mideast.html.

Nov. 24, 2006

“Lebanon does not have a legitimate and legal government, but only a group that claims to be a government, a group that is usurping the government... As far as we are concerned, any government or element in the world which regards [the Al-Siniora] government or its decisions as legal is part of the internal [Lebanese] dispute.”“Lebanon on the Brink of Civil War (4),” MEMRI, November 29, 2006, http://www.memri.org/report/en/print1797.htm.

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Fact:

On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers. 

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