Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 03-02-2025

After months of uncertainty, Hezbollah has formally announced that a grand public funeral for its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, will be held on February 23 in Lebanon. The ceremony, which is expected to draw a massive public turnout, will finally allow supporters to bid farewell to the man who led the group for over three decades. Nasrallah’s death had sent shockwaves through Hezbollah and its allies, but due to ongoing hostilities with Israel, an immediate funeral was deemed too dangerous. Instead, he was given a temporary burial, following Islamic customs, until the situation allowed for a formal, large-scale commemoration.

Funeral Postponed Due to Escalating Violence

Hassan Nasrallah was killed on September 27 in an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs. His death came amid a period of heightened tension, as Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah, launching repeated air raids in retaliation for the group’s attacks along the Lebanese-Israeli border. At the time, the security situation in Lebanon was highly unstable, making it impossible for Hezbollah to organize a public funeral that could accommodate the massive number of mourners expected to attend. Instead, the group conducted a temporary burial in accordance with Islamic traditions, which emphasize the importance of laying the deceased to rest as soon as possible.

On Sunday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader and recently appointed secretary-general, Naim Qassem, addressed the group’s supporters in a televised speech, confirming that a large-scale funeral for Nasrallah would finally be held. He stated that Nasrallah was killed during an extremely turbulent period, when Israeli attacks had forced Hezbollah to prioritize security over public ceremonies. Now, however, the group believes the time is right to allow the public to honor their late leader in a formal and dignified manner.

Nasrallah’s funeral will not take place in isolation. Hezbollah has also announced that the funeral will be held in conjunction with that of Hashem Safieddine, another high-ranking Hezbollah official who was killed less than a week after Nasrallah in a separate Israeli airstrike. Safieddine, a key figure within Hezbollah’s leadership structure, had long been considered one of the most influential voices within the organization. His assassination marked another major blow to the group, coming at a time when it was already facing severe pressure from both Israeli military operations and internal restructuring challenges.

To commemorate both figures, Hezbollah has planned an extensive funeral procession that will allow thousands of supporters, officials, and foreign dignitaries from allied nations to pay their final respects. The event is expected to serve not only as a moment of mourning but also as a demonstration of Hezbollah’s resilience and continued strength in the face of Israeli military action.

For the first time, Qassem also disclosed new details about Hezbollah’s leadership transition, revealing that Safieddine had, in fact, been selected as Nasrallah’s successor before his assassination. However, due to his unexpected death, the group was forced to withhold this information until now. In recognition of his role and sacrifice, Hezbollah has decided that Safieddine will be buried with the official title of secretary-general, despite never formally assuming the position.

Burial Sites and Symbolic Importance

As part of the funeral arrangements, Nasrallah will be laid to rest on the outskirts of Beirut in a specially designated plot of land located between the old and new airport roads. This location holds significant symbolic value, as it is situated in an area historically linked to Hezbollah’s operations and its resistance narrative. By burying Nasrallah there, Hezbollah aims to reinforce his legacy as a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s military and political trajectory.

Meanwhile, Safieddine’s final resting place will be in his hometown of Deir Qanoun in southern Lebanon. The decision to bury him there aligns with Hezbollah’s long-standing tradition of honoring fallen leaders by returning them to their ancestral roots, allowing their local communities to serve as the custodians of their memory.

The deaths of Nasrallah and Safieddine left Hezbollah facing one of the most significant leadership crises in its history. The loss of two of its most influential figures in rapid succession created a vacuum at the top of the organization, forcing Hezbollah to swiftly reorganize its command structure.

On October 29, Hezbollah officially announced that Naim Qassem, who had previously served as the group’s deputy leader for many years, had been elected as its new secretary-general. His appointment came at a critical moment when the group was still grappling with the aftermath of Israeli attacks that had not only eliminated top leaders but also disrupted Hezbollah’s military strategy.

Qassem now faces the daunting task of leading Hezbollah through an increasingly volatile regional landscape. He must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining Hezbollah’s military strength, preserving its political influence in Lebanon, and managing its alliances with key backers such as Iran and Syria.

Uncertain Future as Hezbollah Moves Forward

As Hezbollah prepares for the long-awaited funeral of its fallen leader, the political and military landscape in Lebanon remains highly uncertain. The group continues to face mounting challenges, including potential Israeli escalations, internal leadership transitions, and broader regional tensions involving Iran and Syria.

While the funeral on February 23 will serve as a moment of national mourning for Hezbollah supporters, it will also be a test of the group’s ability to project strength and unity in the face of adversity. Whether the ceasefire holds or collapses in the coming weeks may determine the next phase of Hezbollah’s engagement in Lebanon’s complex and ever-evolving conflict.