Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has reiterated that his government will push forward the peace talks both with Syria and the Palestinians.

Olmert made the remarks on Tuesday when attending a conference after touring the nuclear reactor complex near the southern desert town of Dimona.

"We are in favor of real calm. If that doesn't happen we know how to respond with full force in a manner that will promise complete security for the residents of the south."

The Prime Minister was referring to the shaky ceasefire supposedly in operation between Israel and Hamas who rule the Gaza Strip.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel shut its cargo crossings with the Gaza Strip, accusing Gaza militants of firing a rocket at southern Israel in violation of the ceasefire.

However, Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, accused Israel of backtracking, saying there was a regression in the Israel's position.

Since the period of calm went into effect on June 19, the crossings have been closed for five days because of continuing rocket and mortar attacks.