In the wake of Hezbollah’s appointment of Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen issued a stark warning, declaring that any person leading the group would be considered an assassination target. 

“Anyone at the helm of Hezbollah is a target for assassination,” Cohen said.

The minister further stressed the importance of maintaining an Israeli military presence in Lebanon to protect communities close to the border, amid heightened hostilities and concerns over Hezbollah’s activities.

“There must be an Israeli military presence in Lebanon to defend northern towns close to the border,” Cohen stated. “We may be able to call on residents of northern Israel to return to their homes in a few weeks."