After the Assassination of Al-Taba’tabai.. Who Will Succeed "Hezbollah's Chief of Staff"?

Following the assassination of Haitham Al-Taba’tabai, referred to in Israeli circles as "Hezbollah's Chief of Staff," in an Israeli raid on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, the party is expected to choose a new prominent figure to assume the position.

The newspaper Israel Hayom reviewed the most prominent candidates based on Israeli assessments:

1. Frontrunners and Most Influential Candidates

Candidate and Nickname	Current Position/Description	Additional Notes
Mohammad Haydar (Abu Ali) (66)	The frontrunner. Described by the US as a "military advisor."	Considered the party's strategic security mind. Previously survived an assassination attempt. Served as an MP (2005-2009).
Talal Hamiyah (Issmat Mazarani)	Head of Unit 910, responsible for external operations.	Nicknamed "The Ghost" for his rare appearances. The US has offered a $7 million reward for information on him.

2. Other Candidates and Potential Iranian Interference

• Candidates from Field Units: There is a possibility that a leader of one of the geographic units within Lebanon, such as commanders of Aziz and Nasser units (in the South) or Badr unit, will be promoted.

• Less Likely Candidate: Khodr Yousef Nader, head of Security Unit 900, which functions as the internal "counter-espionage" apparatus.

• Potential Iranian Intervention: Assessments suggest Tehran might impose a figure from the Quds Force to temporarily lead Hezbollah, as Iran has previously sent generals to Lebanon during the ongoing war.

3. Confirmation of the Assassination

Hezbollah confirmed the killing of the "great Jihadi leader, the Martyr Haitham Ali Al-Taba’tabai," in the raid on Haret Hreik in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel had previously described him as the "most prominent commander" in the party.