According to a report by the Associated Press on the 10th, Hezbollah announced on the 10th that it has chosen cleric Naim Qassem to lead the Lebanese armed organization after the death of its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Beirut at the end of last month.

The report states that the organization, in a statement, said that the decision-making body of Hezbollah, the Consultative Assembly, elected 65-year-old Kassem as its new secretary-general, and pledged to continue Nasrallah's policies "until victory is achieved."

Since Nasrallah's death, this white-robed cleric with graying beard has frequently become the spokesperson for this Lebanese armed organization. He is one of its founding members, but supporters generally believe he lacks the oratorical skills of his predecessor.

Naim Qassem, the new leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon. (Reuters photo)

The report also stated that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on social media after the announcement of Kassem's appointment: "Temporary appointment. Won't last long." This is a clear threat indicating that Israel will pursue and kill Kassem, just as it did with the earlier assassination of a Hezbollah official.

Kassim claimed in a televised speech earlier this month that Hezbollah's military capabilities remained intact following Nasrallah's assassination and warned Israelis that they would only suffer greater losses as the fighting continued.

Qassem has been sanctioned by the United States, which considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization. His appointment is not surprising, as he served as Nasrallah's deputy for years and has long been a spokesperson for Hezbollah, frequently interviewed by local and foreign media.

Qassem Qasir, a Lebanese analyst close to Hezbollah, said: "This is sending a message to Lebanon and abroad that Hezbollah has restructured itself." Qasir also stated that the appointment of Qassem indicates that Hezbollah manages its own affairs, contrary to some reports suggesting that advisors from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are now in control of the organization.