The comments by Amos Gilad, a senior adviser to Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, came ahead of a flurry of meetings meant to pave the way for a summit of the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

“The entire defense establishment is in full agreement that there is now an opportunity that must be taken advantage of,” Gilad told Israel Radio. “All necessary steps, whether it will be security concessions that will reduce levels of friction, we will show tremendous flexibility toward every subject on the agenda to try and enhance chances.”

Palestinian officials say the summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, tentatively scheduled for the second week of February, will depend on the success of this week’s preparatory talks. The Palestinians are looking for a formal cease-fire declaration from Israel and a large-scale release of prisoners held by Israel.

Abbas has already won an informal commitment from Palestinian militants to halt attacks on Israeli targets, and deployed thousands of police throughout the Gaza Strip to ensure quiet. Israel, in return, has halted offensive operations in Gaza and scaled back activities in the West Bank.

Israel, which accused Abbas’ predecessor, Yasser Arafat, of encouraging violence, is pleased with the new Palestinian leadership, Gilad said. He said that Israel would show flexibility in the upcoming negotiations.

“There will be a new attitude of flexibility with real intention to give a chance to the new Palestinian government, which has declared that its interest is to fight terror,” he said. “At this stage the defense establishment, including the Israeli army and all the rest are willing to do everything, really everything, to allow this seedling to blossom.”