"Even on the threshold of war, we [Jews] are bidden to begin in no other way than with peace, for it is written: “When you draw near a city to fight, first offer it peace.”" ~~ Midrash Leviticus R. 9
"So great is peace that, even if Israel worship idols yet peace reigns among them, God says: I cannot, as it were, wield power over them, because peace prevails there. " ~~ Genesis (Bereshit) R.
"One does not wage war, whether profane or holy, before one offers peace, as it is written [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 20:10]—When you come near a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it! " ~~ Rambam
