Naim Qassem

Naim Qassem (born February 1953) is a Lebanese Shia cleric and politician who is serving as the 4th secretary-general of Hezbollah since 29 October 2024. He participated in the founding of Hezbollah in 1982, and previously served as the first deputy secretary-general from 1991 to 2024.

Born in Kfar Kila, Qassem received a master's degree in chemistry from the Lebanese University in 1977. He worked as a chemistry teacher, before joining Amal, a political movement led by Musa al-Sadr. He studied theology under Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah.

Following the Iranian Revolution, he helped found Hezbollah. In 1991, he was appointed as deputy secretary-general under secretary-general Abbas al-Musawi, a role he retained under Al-Musawi's successor, Hassan Nasrallah. He led the party's electoral campaigns, and held a leading intellectual and ideological role.

Following the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024, he was appointed acting secretary-general. A month later in October, Qassem was elected as secretary-general after Nasrallah's possible successor Hashem Safieddine was assassinated by Israeli strikes. On 7 March 2026, it was reported that Lebanese Minister of Justice is considering the option of prosecuting him.

Early life and education Qassem was born in February 1953 in Kfar Fila, into a Shiite family with origins in the town. He grew up in Beirut. He had studied the subject in French.

Career

Qassem began his career employed as a chemistry teacher in public schools for some six years. He joined the Amal Movement when it was led by Musa al-Sadr, but left in 1979. Abbas al-Musawi appointed him to this role, which he retained when al-Musawi was succeeded by Hassan Nasrallah in 1992.

Secretary-General of Hezbollah Following the 2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike, Qassem gave his first statement, claiming that “Hezbollah will go on with its goals and its battle,”, assuring that even after Nasrallah's death, the organization and its fighters remain strong.

Qassem was elected secretary-general of Hezbollah on 29 October 2024, following the Israeli assassination of the previous leader Hassan Nasrallah in the 2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike and his assumed successor Hashem Safieddine on 3 October.

On 7 August 2025, the Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the restriction of weapons to the exclusive possession of the state. In an appearance on 15 August, Qasim threatened that “there will be no life in Lebanon if the government tries to confront his party,” and expressed his readiness to wage a “Karbala-like battle” to challenge the decision to limit arms to the state and to disarm the defensive resistance.

On 7 March 2026, following his controversial remarks accusing the government of carrying out Israeli orders, Adel Nassar, Lebanon's Minister of Justice said he is considering taking legal action against him. On 18 March, he repeated that Hezbollah is loyal to Iran and supports it.

On 25 May 2026, the Al-Hadath news channel reported that Israel recently made two attempts to target Qassem. In a speech delivered on 4 August 2026, Qassem stated for the first time that he did not object to meeting with the new Syrian leadership.

Works and views In 2002, Qassem published a book, Hizbullah: The Story from Within, which was revised and updated four times, mostly recently in 2010.

In 2009, Mustafa Badreddine replaced Imad Mughniyeh as the head of Hezbollah's military activities. Qassem did not support the move, favoring his relative Samir Shehade.

Personal life Qassem is married and has six children.