Hezbollah’s chief, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said on Sunday that it was the Lebanese government’s responsibility to ensure Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese territory by February 18, insisting there was no justification for Israeli forces to remain beyond the deadline.

"Israel must withdraw from all Lebanese territory it has occupied," Qassem said in a televised address. "There can be no excuses, no five points, and no other details under any pretext or title. This is the agreement."

He warned that any Israeli military presence in Lebanon beyond February 18 would be considered an occupation.

"Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with," he added, without directly threatening a resumption of Hezbollah attacks.

Qassem also condemned the Lebanese government’s recent decision to block Iranian flights from landing in Beirut, a move that followed Israeli warnings that the airport could be targeted if the flights were allowed to proceed.

"The prime minister’s office was informed that Israel would strike the Beirut airport runway if an Iranian plane landed," he said, referring to reports that the United States had relayed Israel’s warning to Lebanese authorities.

Israel has accused Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force of using civilian flights to smuggle money for rearming the Lebanese group.

"The issue is not that Lebanese authorities are prioritizing civilian safety during a difficult time," Qassem said. "The problem is that they are executing an Israeli order. This raises a serious concern. Where is our national sovereignty? Have we become mere employees of Israel, implementing the demands of the occupation?"

Tensions over the airport ban have escalated in recent days. A UN convoy was attacked near Beirut airport during a protest involving Hezbollah supporters, wounding two peacekeepers.

Qassem said Hezbollah opposed the attack on UNIFIL but criticized the Lebanese Army for using tear gas against demonstrators, claiming they had gathered peacefully on Saturday.

The army later stated that tear gas was deployed after protesters blocked the airport road, attacked military vehicles, and wounded 23 soldiers.

Qassem also addressed the issue of reconstruction, stressing that the Lebanese state must take responsibility for rebuilding areas damaged by Israeli attacks during the recent war with the group.

"What Israel destroyed, it destroyed within the Lebanese state, and it is the state's responsibility to lead reconstruction efforts," he said. "The country can only be rebuilt through the cooperation of all parties, and we are ready for that, as well as for approving the necessary reforms. We will not abandon the people—whether in shelter, repairs, or reconstruction. God willing, homes will be restored even better than before."