Saudi Arabia has officially designated Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, as a “terrorist”. The kingdom accuses Safieddine of advising the armed group to carry out “terrorist operations” and of supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This move has sent shockwaves through the Middle East and beyond, raising questions about the future of Hezbollah and the region’s stability.
Who is Hashem Safieddine?
Safieddine, a Lebanese citizen in his 50s, is a key figure in Hezbollah, the powerful Shia political and military organization based in Lebanon. He runs the group’s political affairs and oversees social and economic programs within Lebanon’s Shia community.
A Potential Successor to Nasrallah?
Safieddine is a cousin of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s charismatic and influential secretary general. He is widely seen as a potential candidate to succeed Nasrallah and take charge of the movement. This possibility has made Safieddine a figure of both interest and concern for regional and international powers.
Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Hezbollah
The Saudi government has vowed to “combat Hezbollah’s terrorist activities with all available legal tools” and to “work with partners around the world to make it clear that Hezbollah’s militant and extremist activities should not be tolerated by any nation.” This strong stance reflects Saudi Arabia’s deep-seated rivalry with Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer.
Hezbollah’s “Hostile Actions” and Global Impact
In March 2016, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which Saudi Arabia is a member, designated Hezbollah as a “terrorist” organization, citing the group’s “hostile actions”. Hezbollah’s involvement in regional conflicts, including its support for the Syrian regime and its alleged attacks against Israeli targets, has drawn international condemnation and sanctions.
What’s Next for Hezbollah?
The Saudi designation of Safieddine as a “terrorist” is likely to further isolate Hezbollah and complicate its regional and international relations. The move could also have significant implications for Lebanon, where Hezbollah is a major political force. It remains to be seen how Hezbollah will respond to this latest challenge and what the long-term consequences will be for the group and the region.
Will Hezbollah escalate its activities in response to the Saudi pressure? Will other countries follow suit and designate Safieddine as a terrorist? These are just some of the questions that are being asked as the region braces for potential upheaval.
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