Daoud Rammal, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency

Nasrallah and Safieddine’s Funeral: A Farewell to Leaders or a Declaration of New Transformations?

Source to "Akhbar Al-Yawm": This marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, characterized by uncertainty

The funeral of Hezbollah’s two Secretary-Generals, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, goes beyond a mere farewell to prominent leaders; it reflects deeper transformations within the party and the region. The ceremony carried symbolic and political implications related to Hezbollah’s trajectory amid the internal and external challenges it faces.

Is this funeral a farewell to Hezbollah’s policies? A prominent independent Shiite political figure, speaking to the "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, asserts that "Hezbollah is undergoing a repositioning process due to military, economic, and political pressures. After decades of operating under the strategy of armed resistance, the party now faces an existential dilemma as Lebanon’s crises intensify, internal pressures mount, and regional challenges escalate".

The source adds: "This funeral could be an indirect declaration of the end of one phase and the beginning of another, potentially characterized by greater political flexibility and an attempt to adapt to the new reality. The greater concern, however, is the uncertainty surrounding this shift, given the lack of clarity regarding Hezbollah’s future choices and direction".

Regarding the impact of this event on Lebanon, which is in the process of reorganizing its political landscape, the source explains: "This takes place at a pivotal moment for Lebanon, as serious efforts are underway to rebuild state institutions following the election of a new President and the formation of a government. Any transformations within Hezbollah will inevitably influence the Lebanese political scene. The absence of Nasrallah and Safieddine could lead to a redistribution of influence within the Shiite community, potentially opening the door to internal power struggles or a reconfiguration of alliances".

Commenting on the Iranian Foreign Minister’s statement that "the resistance remains alive", the source clarifies: "Abbas Araghchi’s remarks that the funeral ‘proves the resistance is alive’ reflect Iran’s attempt to reaffirm its influence in the region, particularly as the Axis of Resistance faces setbacks in Iraq and Gaza, following its decline in Syria.

The source continues: "In Lebanon, Hezbollah is under increasing popular and political pressure due to the consequences of the Israeli war and the ongoing economic crisis. The party may find itself compelled to engage more in political settlements rather than relying solely on military action. In Iraq, Iranian-backed armed factions are facing resistance from the Iraqi government’s efforts to curb their influence. In Gaza, following the latest war, Palestinian factions are more divided, and the Israeli siege, coupled with regional pressures, has significantly constrained Iran’s ability to maintain the same level of support and influence".

Regarding whether Iran seeks to revive the Axis of Resistance, the source believes that "Iran may attempt to reorganize the Axis, but this will not be an easy task. There are indications that Tehran is looking to reinvigorate the movement through limited military escalations in Lebanon and Gaza while capitalizing on U.S.-Israeli tensions over the nuclear issue and broader regional developments".

The source asserts that "the funeral of Nasrallah and Safieddine is not merely a farewell to key leaders but may also indicate fundamental shifts within Hezbollah and the Axis of Resistance. The party is confronting unprecedented challenges, Lebanon is reorganizing its internal landscape, and Iran is working to preserve its influence".

"The key question remains: Can Hezbollah and the Axis successfully navigate this challenging phase without making substantial concessions? The preliminary assessment suggests that this will be highly difficult, and concessions appear inevitable”, the source concludes.