After the 2023–2025 war with Israel and the assassination of senior leaders, Hezbollah is restructuring its leadership amid a deep crisis, as leaked disclosures point to major intelligence breaches and internal shifts.
Israel’s Alma exposes Hezbollah’s new structure
Israel’s Alma exposes Hezbollah’s new structure
By The Beiruter | February 19, 2026
Reading time: 3 min
The recent Hezbollah-Israel War (2023-2025), culminating in the assassination of senior figures including former Secretary-General Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah and his chosen successor Sheikh Hashem Safieddine in late 2024, has triggered a profound leadership crisis within the organization. In response, Hezbollah has recently undergone a far-reaching internal restructuring process designed to stabilize decision-making centers, consolidate authority, and recalibrate its political posture within Lebanon’s domestic arena.
More surprisingly, however, is the disclosure of these sensitive appointments. What was meant to remain behind closed doors was released to the public; not by Hezbollah but by the "Alma Research and Education Center" in Israel. The latter’s report reveals the deep intelligence breach that Tel Aviv has managed to achieve within the group’s ranks. Regardless of how one assesses the credibility or intent of such publications, their depth and specificity have fueled a growing perception that Israel possesses extraordinary visibility into the organization’s inner workings.
Strategic message: Nothing is hidden
In the aforementioned report, “Unit 4400” (the body allegedly responsible for transferring strategic weapons from Iran through Syria into Lebanon) has been mapped out with striking specificity. The identification of operatives involved in logistical coordination, including references to figures such as Mohammad Jaafar Qasir (known as Hajj Fadi), who was previously killed, implies familiarity with internal planning processes rather than simple monitoring of transport routes. This level of exposure helps explain the precision with which weapons shipments have reportedly been targeted, sometimes shortly after entering Lebanese territory.
The same pattern appears in descriptions of the “Radwan Force” (a specialized unit, originally known as the “Intervention Unit,” and was renamed in honor of Imad Mughniyeh, a former senior Hezbollah leader), where newly appointed sector commanders and manpower estimates were outlined. The naming of individuals tied to precision missile and drone programs further reinforces the impression that intelligence collection extends beyond technical satellite imagery into human and cyber domains.
Such reporting functions as a strategic and implicit message: that Israeli intelligence is aware of internal deliberations before they translate into action. If accurate, this level of exposure would complicate any attempt by Hezbollah to rebuild its military infrastructure without immediate detection and targeting.
Consolidating political authority at the top
One of the most significant reported changes is the expected appointment of Mohammad Raad as Deputy Secretary-General. Raad has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1992 and heads the “Loyalty to the Resistance” parliamentary bloc, while also sitting on Hezbollah’s Shura Council, its supreme decision-making body. Over decades, he has emerged as the group’s chief political strategist within Lebanon’s parliamentary system.
Raad’s anticipated elevation is notable for breaking with precedent. Historically, Hezbollah’s top 2 positions were held by prominent clerics. Raad, however, is not a religious figure. His appointment would signal a shift toward strengthening the political-civil dimension of the Hezbollah’s leadership and formally integrating parliamentary authority into the highest echelon of decision-making.
Such a move appears designed to achieve 2 parallel objectives: reinforcing Qassem’s singular religious authority at the top, and institutionalizing political management under a trusted civilian figure. This arrangement could reduce factional competition and streamline oversight of Hezbollah’s expanding political responsibilities.
Reorganizing the Executive Council
The Executive Council (responsible for managing Hezbollah’s extensive civilian infrastructure) also appears to be undergoing restructuring. According to the aforementioned report, Mohammad Fneish has been appointed to head the Council. A veteran political figure and former minister in several Lebanese governments, Fneish embodies Hezbollah’s institutional engagement with the state.
Under his leadership, the Council is expected to oversee administrative reforms and prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections (scheduled for May 2026). The Council supervises 9 units spanning media, education, social services, health care, financial activity, unions, foreign relations, and coordination. This network (often described as “Hezbollah’s State”) functions in close alignment with the military-oriented Jihad Council.
The restructuring reportedly includes assigning Sheikh Ali Daamoush operational responsibility within the Council, positioning him as an executor of reorganization rather than a strategic decision-maker.
The case of Wafiq Safa: Dismissal or deception?
Perhaps the most controversial development concerns Wafiq Safa, long regarded as one of Hezbollah’s most powerful behind-the-scenes figures. As head of the Liaison and Coordination Unit, Safa served as the Hezbollah’s primary interface with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), security agencies, and political actors. He was also reportedly central to negotiations, strategic communications, and sensitive logistical operations.
The report suggests that Safa’s authority has been curtailed, with his unit redefined as a technical body and some of its powers redistributed to Qassem and Raad. Figures close to Qassem, including Hussein Abdallah (Hajj Hussein al-Khalil), are said to be assuming key liaison responsibilities, while Ahmad Mhanna has reportedly taken over certain state communication channels.
Yet Safa’s diminished public profile does not necessarily equate to marginalization. Given his deep networks and alleged involvement in sensitive military logistics, it remains plausible that he continues to wield influence behind the scenes. Some assessments even suggest that reduced visibility may be a protective measure following reported attempts on his life.
Strengthening the parliamentary and media fronts
In the political arena, if Raad ascends to the deputy leadership, Hassan Fadlallah is expected to chair the parliamentary bloc. Fadlallah, known for his focus on legal and anti-corruption issues, represents a further step toward highlighting Hezbollah’s institutional and legislative identity.
Simultaneously, the media apparatus is reportedly being centralized. Ibrahim Mousawi is set to head the Media Authority, overseeing message unification and spokesperson coordination. Youssef al-Zein may assume responsibility for media relations, while Ali al-Hajj Youssef would manage social media operations. Additionally, Ahmad Rahhal and Ali Ayoub are reportedly under consideration to lead a newly formed Electronic Communications Authority, possibly tasked with digital monitoring and security-oriented oversight.
These changes reflect an effort to tighten control over messaging and adapt to an increasingly hostile intelligence environment, where information exposure has become a strategic vulnerability.
In conclusion, whether these changes represent genuine transformation or tactical adjustment remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Hezbollah is being exposed by Israeli intelligence breach, signaling persistent vulnerabilities that the group stills suffers from.
The alleged Hezbollah political leadership reported by Alma Research and Education Center:
- Naim Qassem – Secretary-General
- Mohammad Raad – Deputy Secretary-General
- Mohammad Fnesih – Head of the Executive Council
- Ali Daamoush – Deputy Head of the Executive Council
- Ibrahim Amin al-Sayyed – Head of the Political Council
- Mohammad Qamati – Deputy Head of the Political Council
- Hassan Fadlallah – Head of the “Loyalty to the Resistance” Parliamentary Bloc
- Mohammad Yazbek – Head of the Judicial Council
- Hussein Fadlallah (Hajj Hussein al-Khalil) – Head of the Liaison and Coordination Unit
- Ahmad Mhanna – Head of the Institutional and External Relations
- Wafiq Safa ?
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