Lebanese Kataeb MP Nadim Gemayel on Sunday criticized Hezbollah’s call for the state to take charge of reconstruction efforts, arguing that the group itself is to blame for the destruction caused by the recent conflict.

Responding to comments made by Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, Gemayel wrote on his X account: "Reconstruction is the responsibility of those who have violated the state’s sovereignty and dragged the country into wars to serve a foreign agenda."

His remarks came after Qassem declared that "what Israel destroyed, it destroyed within the Lebanese state, and it is the state's responsibility to lead reconstruction efforts."

However, Gemayel dismissed Hezbollah’s stance, arguing that the State can only take responsibility for reconstruction when it has full authority over decisions of war and peace.

"The State is ought to provide compensation when it has control over war and peace decisions," he wrote. "But those who recklessly wage wars under the illusion of destroying Israel, without considering the consequences, are the ones who must bear full responsibility for their actions."

"If we agree now to support compensation and reconstruction efforts, it is solely to reaffirm that the State is the only true refuge for the Shiite community and all Lebanese, not the militia that has driven them to destruction and death."