Israel-Gaza updates: Netanyahu weighs plan to force civilians out of north Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released two statements Sunday -- one in Hebrew and one in English -- addressing the ongoing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

In both statements, the prime minister said Israel is committed to returning tens of thousands of evacuated citizens to the north of the country.

"We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and to bring our people safe back to their homes," he said.

In the statement in Hebrew, the prime minister said Israel dealt a heavy blow to Hezbollah this week, adding: "If Hezbollah did not understand the message, I promise you -- it will understand the message."

In the English statement, Netanyahu compared Hamas and Hezbollah, noting the latter's daily tempo of attacks since Oct. 8. "No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities," he said. "We can't accept it either."

Foreign Minister Israel Katz also released a statement addressed to other foreign ministers, saying the world must force Hezbollah to comply with a 2006 United Nations resolution that required the militant group to stay north of the Litani River in Lebanon; around 18 miles north of the Israeli border.

"We will do everything necessary to protect our citizens. If the world does not withdraw Hezbollah north of Litani in accordance with Resolution 1701 -- Israel will do so," Katz said.

-ABC News' Victoria Beaule

The Israel Defense Forces is again striking "Hezbollah terrorist targets" in Lebanon as of Sunday morning amid renewed cross-border fire, the IDF said in a statement.

"Over the past few hours, Hezbollah launched approximately 115 aerial threats toward civilian areas in northern Israel," the IDF said.

"The IDF defensive arrays are deployed in the area" and are "on high preparedness to thwart threats," it added.

-ABC News' Dana Savir

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said its responders treated four people who sustained shrapnel injuries in the north of the country on Sunday morning, as Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces continued intense cross-border strikes.

Among those reported injured were a 76-year-old male "in moderate condition from a shrapnel wound to the upper body," as well as a 16-year-old female "in mild condition," the MDA said in a post to X.

Both were injured in the Krayot region near the northern city of Haifa, less than 20 miles from the border with Lebanon.

Several other people were "mildly injured" or "suffering from anxiety" while heading to safe areas and shelters in northern Israel, the MDA said.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

The Israel Defense Forces has issued new defensive guidelines for the north of the country amid intensifying cross-border fire by the Hezbollah militant group and a ramped up IDF strike campaign in southern Lebanon and Beirut.

Outdoor gatherings must now be limited to 10 people and indoor gatherings at 100 people, the IDF said in its new guidance.

Beaches will be closed and all educational activities "prohibited," the force said. Work activities can continue if workers are within reach of a protected space.

-ABC News' Anna Burd