Hezbollah is grappling with a leadership crisis following a series of Israeli assassinations that targeted dozens of its senior operatives, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and his designated successor, Hashem Safieddine. The targeted strikes have shaken the party’s once-ironclad command structure, compounding the challenges it faces after the latest war with Israel.

In the wake of these losses, Hezbollah has been working to fill key vacancies across its political and military ranks. The focus has now shifted to the position of deputy secretary-general, following the appointment of Naim Qassem as the party’s new leader. The decision, made by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also saw Qassem designated as Khamenei’s personal representative in Lebanon—a move seen as a clear message that Tehran retains control over Hezbollah’s strategic decision-making.

The leadership transition has sparked internal unrest, with reports from Al Arabiya and Al Hadath suggesting growing discord among senior Hezbollah figures. Former MP Nawaf Musawi has been reportedly among the most vocal critics, arguing that individuals who failed in their responsibilities during the war should be removed. He has also demanded accountability for security lapses that allowed Israel to eliminate so many Hezbollah officials. According to Musawi, promises made by the party’s leadership have failed to meet expectations, raising further questions about Hezbollah’s internal cohesion.

With Qassem now firmly in place, speculation is mounting over who will be chosen as his deputy. One of the main contenders is Ibrahim Amin al-Sayyid, head of Hezbollah’s Political Council and a former MP from the Bekaa region. However, opposition to his appointment is growing, particularly from within Hezbollah’s ranks. Critics, including Musawi, accuse al-Sayyid of "fleeing to Iraq when the fighting intensified," questioning his commitment and leadership. A senior Hezbollah official told local media that al-Sayyid is "unfit for this position, especially given the ongoing challenges facing the party."

The backlash has led to calls for al-Sayyid and other officials perceived as ineffective to be removed from the party’s leadership altogether.

Given Hezbollah’s tradition of appointing a cleric as deputy secretary-general, another possible candidate is Mohammad Raad, the long-serving head of the party’s Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc. Raad enjoys significant popularity within Hezbollah’s grassroots and is a member of the party’s powerful Shura Council. However, internal considerations have so far prevented him from assuming the role. Some argue that Raad’s experience is better suited to managing Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, a position he has held since the party formally entered Lebanese politics in 1992.

As discussions continue, some within Hezbollah are pushing for the appointment of a deputy secretary-general from the Bekaa region. One name being circulated is that of a veteran military figure from Hezbollah’s "Jihadi Council," who was reportedly close to senior commander Imad Mughniyeh, assassinated in Syria in 2008.

Beyond its internal leadership reshuffle, Hezbollah is also deliberating over its representation in Lebanon’s state institutions. The choice is expected to fall between two veteran figures: former minister and MP Mohammad Fneish and current MP Hussein Hajj Hassan. Fneish, one of the party’s founding members, is considered the stronger candidate due to his extensive political experience dating back to Hezbollah’s establishment in 1982.

Amid Hezbollah’s deepening challenges, voices within the party are calling for a thorough internal review to hold those responsible for past miscalculations accountable. Some argue that Hezbollah must launch a top-down restructuring of its leadership to address the failures exposed during the latest conflict.