Shimon Peres has called for more communication at a meeting with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Speaking during the launch of his official Facebook page at the company's Silicon Valley headquarters, the Israeli president said that peace was "not a matter for governments but for people.
"When people talk, they are surprised they can be friends," said the 88-year-old.
According to Mr Peres's office, he hopes his Facebook page will be an opportunity for young Arabs to "to ask questions and to offer ideas to advance peace".