The IDF revealed on Tuesday evening that Hashem Safieddine, who was set to take over from Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed.

His death occurred roughly three weeks ago, during a targeted strike. The operation also resulted in the killing of Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence division, along with several other high-ranking Hezbollah commanders.

The Israeli Air Force executed a precise strike based on solid intelligence, hitting Hezbollah’s main intelligence hub. This facility, strategically located underground beneath a civilian area in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, is a core Hezbollah stronghold.

At the time of the strike, over 25 Hezbollah operatives were present in the intelligence facility, including Bilal Saib Aish, who was responsible for aerial surveillance within Hezbollah’s Syrian intelligence operations.

Safieddine held a prominent position in Hezbollah’s Shura Council, the organization’s top military and political body that governs its major decisions and strategies.

He was related to Nasrallah, being his cousin, and their close family connection gave him considerable sway within the organization. Safieddine frequently stepped in to assume Nasrallah’s duties as Secretary-General whenever the latter was outside of Lebanon. Over the years, he played a major role in orchestrating attacks on Israel and participated in Hezbollah’s key decision-making.

In addition to Safieddine, the strike also killed Ali Hussein Hazima, who oversaw Hezbollah’s intelligence operations and played a pivotal role in organizing attacks on Israeli soldiers.

“The IDF will persist in taking action against senior Hezbollah figures and anyone who poses a danger to Israeli civilians,” declared the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi remarked on the success of the operation, stating, “We reached Nasrallah, his heir apparent, and much of Hezbollah’s leadership. We will continue to reach anyone who threatens the security of Israel’s citizens.”

{Matzav.com Israel}