Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday warned that Israel would hit back hard if guerrillas in Lebanon continue firing on Israel's north. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

JERUSALEM, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned of a "harsh response" on Sunday if gunmen in Lebanon did not stop attacks on the Jewish state, local newspaper Ha'aretz reported.

    Olmert made the vow following a meeting with Israeli President Moshe Katsav in Jerusalem.

    "Israel will give them (gunmen in Lebanon) a clear and harsh response without hesitation if they do not stop attacks," Olmert said.

    "The Israeli response is a serious warning to Palestinian elements in Lebanon, of what will happen if the shooting continues," Olmert said, adding "Israel hopes that the warning will be understood and the fire will cease."

    Olmert's statements came as Hizbollah militants exchanged fire with Israeli troops along the border and the Israeli army launched fresh airstrikes on southern Lebanon following two earlier raids on two bases run by a Palestinian militant group in Lebanon which killed one Palestinian militant and wounded five others.

    Meanwhile, a Hizbollah militant was killed and an Israeli soldier was injured in the across-border gun battle. Enditem