BEIRUT (Reuters) – Sheikh Naim Qassem, the newly elected head of Hezbollah, has been a prominent figure in the Iran-backed group for over 30 years. Speaking from an undisclosed location on Oct. 8, Qassem stated that the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel was a battle of endurance, with Hezbollah vowing not to back down despite Israeli attacks.
Qassem also expressed support for efforts by Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri to negotiate a ceasefire, omitting any mention of a Gaza truce as a precondition for ending hostilities with Israel.
His televised address came shortly after a senior Hezbollah member, Hashem Safieddine, was reportedly targeted in an Israeli strike, and just days after the killing of Hezbollah’s secretary general, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Qassem, appointed deputy chief in 1991, has been a key spokesperson for Hezbollah and has conducted interviews with international media outlets throughout periods of conflict with Israel.
His recent address on Oct. 8 marked his second televised appearance following heightened tensions with Israel.
Born in 1953 in Beirut, Qassem began his political involvement with the Amal Movement before joining Hezbollah in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
Qassem has played a significant role in Hezbollah’s parliamentary election campaigns since 1992 and authored a book on the organization in 2005, providing insights into its history and operations.
He is known for wearing a white turban, distinguishing him from other Hezbollah leaders who wear black turbans symbolizing their lineage to the Prophet Muhammad.