Hashem Safieddine, reported by Israel as apparently killed in its confrontation with Hezbollah, is widely seen as Hassan Nasrallah's likely successor as head of the Iran-backed group. A relative of Nasrallah,

The fate of a possible successor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is unclear following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. Hezbollah has lost contact with Hashem Safieddine since the strike, a Lebanese security source told CNN on Saturday.

Gallant's remarks came amid escalating tensions in the region, with Hezbollah being a key player in the ongoing conflict. Hashem Safieddine, a prominent Hezbollah official, had been widely regarded as the frontrunner to take over from Nasrallah.