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Hezbollah has announced a new leader after the previous leader was killed in an Israeli airstrike last month.

What’s the deal: Hezbollah-related social media channels have confirmed that Sheikh Naim Qassem will take over the organization following the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Qassem, a founding member of Hezbollah, has served as deputy secretary-general for over 30 years, making him one of the most influential voices within the organization. Qassem has been central in shaping Hezbollah’s policies and aligning the group with Iran’s regional interests. Known for his staunch stance, Qassem is one of Hezbollah’s few surviving senior leaders after a series of targeted Israeli strikes eliminated much of the group’s mid and top-level leadership.

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Israel’s warning: Following the announcement, various Israeli government agencies and officials warned that Qassem’s appointment might be short-lived. In a statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called the appointment ‘temporary.’ The Israeli government’s X account added that Qassem’s tenure ‘may be the shortest in the history of this terrorist organization if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors.’

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Current update on Israel vs. Hezbollah: Roughly a month ago, Israeli troops crossed into southern Lebanon as part of a limited ground incursion aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s operational presence near the border. Israeli forces have reportedly dismantled Hezbollah’s positions in several villages along the border in an effort to reduce the group’s ability to launch attacks into Israeli territory.

According to Israeli defense sources, the operations have reduced Hezbollah’s missile arsenal by an estimated 20%, disrupting its ability to launch coordinated attacks from southern Lebanon. However, the conflict has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement within Lebanon, with over 2,700 people killed and nearly 12,500 injured (according to the Lebanese health ministry).

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