"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
"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
"If you are a man of the sword, you can’t claim to be a man of the book; and if you are a man of the book, you will not be a man of the sword." ~~ Talmud, Avodah Zarah 17b
"Because of war, old age creeps up on you. Of Joshua, after waging war with thirty-one kings, it is said: And Joshua became old and stricken in years." ~~ Tanchuma
