Shimon Peres has called for Iran and Israel not to live as enemies even as a website linked to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime called for "the final annihilation of Israel".
The Israeli president and Nobel laureate, at a speech marking the creation of the Knesset 63 years ago, said that the two countries "were not born enemies".
"There is no need to live as enemies," said Mr Peres. "Do not allow the flags of hostility to cast a dark shadow over your historic heritage."
Addressing the Iranian people, he added: "Your people are a sensitive people that aspire for friendship and peace, and not for conflicts and wars."
