By Naim Berjawi
BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanon's Hezbollah has appointed Hussein al-Abdallah to head its liaison and coordination unit, replacing senior figure Wafiq Safa resigned, according to media reports.
Safa had led the unit for years and was known for managing relations with Lebanon’s security agencies. He has long been regarded as an influential figure in Lebanese politics due to his responsibilities within Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has not issued a statement. But party official Mahmoud Qamati confirmed Safa’s resignation in a television interview with the OTV, praising his long tenure and role. He said Safa would move to another position within the party without providing details.
Other outlets, including Al Jadeed, reported that Safa stepped down after his authorities were curtailed following deep internal disagreements with Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem and Shura Council member Mohammad Raad.
The Lebanon 24 news website said the move is part of a broader internal review within the organization, described as “post-war changes” that include reshuffling leadership roles.
Safa’s continued role was no longer aligned with the country’s new realities, the outlet added, noting that his influence within state institutions and the judiciary had diminished compared with earlier periods.
In October 2024, Safa survived an Israeli assassination attempt after an airstrike hit a building in central Beirut.
During Israel’s most recent war against Hezbollah, the group suffered targeted killings of senior leaders, including former secretaries-general Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, along with security and military commanders.
A 2024 ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel has put an end to more than a year of attacks that have killed more than 4,000 people and injured 17,000, against the backdrop of Israel's war in the Gaza. Strip.
The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon in January 2025 under the ceasefire, but instead only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul