Israel`s prestigious Council for Peace and Security has published an official statement, blessing the Arab Initiative and the readiness in principle to end the conflict and calling on the Israel Government to agree to negotiate on the basis of the Initiative, even if we cannot accept all its components.
 
The statement was published in Israel`s leading newspapers over the names of some  400 signatures out of the more than 1000, mainly for space reasons, former Generals, senior army and police officers and former senior officials of the General Security Services and the Mossad, who represent Israel`s top experts in defence and security policy.
 
Herewith is the text of the statement, as translated from the original Hebrew into English:
 
* The Council for Peace and Security calls on the Israel Government to agree to negotiate on the basis of the Arab Initiative, even if we cannot accept all its components.
 
* The Council blesses the Initiative and the readiness in principle to end the conflict and to reach Peace relations with Israel for the sake of Peace in the entire region.
 
* The joint discussion will enhance the understanding and the prospect of finding creative solutions for a settlement.
 
* Israel is striving for Peace. The rejection of the Saudi Initiative and the lack of readiness to enter negotiations will be interpreted as Israeli opposition to a settlement that will cause a continued deadlock.