Israel confirms killing of Nasrallah's likely successor Hashem Safieddine

Israel's army has confirmed the killing of Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah's Executive Council head and likely successor to slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, in an attack three weeks ago.

According to a statement released by the Israeli army, Safieddine, Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of Hezbollah's Intelligence Directorate, and other commanders were among those killed in the strike.

"It can now be confirmed that in an attack approximately three weeks ago, Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah's Executive Council, and Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of Hezbollah's Intelligence Directorate, were killed along with other Hezbollah commanders," the army said in a statement.

The statement further claimed that over 25 Hezbollah commanders were present at headquarters at the time of the airstrike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier hinted at Safieddine's elimination in an address to the Lebanese people.

"We took out thousands of terrorists, including Hassan Nasrallah himself, Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of his replacement." he had said.

Earlier, it was reported that Hashem had lost contact with the Lebanese resistance group.

Safieddinesafie, who was also a member of Hezbollah's decision-making body, was considered the "most likely" candidate for the party's top job due to his good relations with Iran.

However, Hezbollah has yet to issue a statement regarding the claim.