The British novelist is one of more than 150 signatories on the missive which backs peace talks between officials in Israel.

The note, which has been published in Britain's The Guardian newspaper on behalf of the Culture for Coexistence campaign, has also been signed by actress Zoe Wanamaker and Wolf Hall writer Hilary Mantel, and it denounces calls for boycotts of Israel by artists.

"Cultural boycotts singling out Israel are divisive and discriminatory and will not further peace," the letter states. "Open dialogue and interaction promote greater understanding and mutual acceptance and it is through such understanding and acceptance that movement can be made towards a resolution of the conflict... Cultural engagement builds bridges, nurtures freedom and positive movement for change. We wholly endorse encouraging such a powerful tool for change rather than boycotting its use."

A number of stars have previously called on artists to boycott the country amid ongoing tension between Israelis and Palestinians - former Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters regularly asks for gigs in the Middle East to be cancelled as part of a cultural protest.