The Israeli army confirmed for the first time that Hezbollah’s successor Safadin was also killed

The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, a potential successor of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, resulting from an airstrike earlier this month. This announcement comes following the death of Nasrallah himself on September 27 due to Israeli bombardment. According to Reuters, Israeli forces confirmed Safieddine’s demise on October 22.

Israeli authorities stated that Safieddine was killed three weeks ago during an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which also resulted in the deaths of 25 other Hezbollah leaders. This marks the first time the Israeli military has officially confirmed Safieddine’s death, although they had previously indicated that he might have been eliminated in their operations. As of now, Hezbollah has not responded to the Israeli military’s announcement.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated over the past year along the Lebanese border. Hezbollah is considered Iran’s most powerful proxy in the Middle East. The organization has coordinated efforts with Hamas, the Palestinian militia group engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza. However, in recent weeks, senior commanders within Hezbollah have been falling victim to intense Israeli bombardments.

Safieddine, a relative of Nasrallah, played a key role in Hezbollah’s highest military council, known as the Jihad Council, and was also responsible for financial and administrative affairs within the organization. As Hezbollah’s spokesperson, he often stepped in for Nasrallah at public events, particularly at funerals and other gatherings, due to security concerns limiting Nasrallah’s appearances.

According to analysts at Reuters, with the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5, Israel is likely seeking to stabilize its position before a new American government takes office.

In a critical moment, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv, coinciding with the announcement of Safieddine’s death. Blinken has urged Israel to reach a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. Senior State Department officials disclosed that Blinken told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel’s current measures to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza are insufficient and that improvements must be made.

Analysts note that with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly killed by Israeli forces, the U.S. hopes that Sinwar’s death could open up pathways for peace, potentially leading to the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks and bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Blinken has made multiple trips to the region in pursuit of a ceasefire, marking this visit as his 11th to the Middle East, and possibly his last before the U.S. presidential election.