Israel expands Lebanon assault, striking banks to hit Hezbollah's finances
NBCOCT 2024
Hezbollah Names Naim Qassem as New Leader
Above: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R) meets Hezbollah then-Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem (L) in Tehran, Iran on July 30, 2024. Image copyright: Iranian Leader Press Office/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Naim Qassem will have the same fate as his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah. After killing the long-time terror leader, Israel was swiftly able to eliminate his most likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, and it will not be difficult to locate Qassem, even if he has reportedly fled to Tehran in fear of Israel's might.
Anti-Israel narrative
Sheikh Naim will continue in the footsteps of those before him and continue Hezbollah's valiant resistance to Israel's aggression. Hezbollah has endured many painful blows in recent months, but it has remained steadfast and will continue defending Lebanon.