The Beatles have been invited to perform in Israel to celebrate the country's 60th birthday.
Israeli ambassadors have invited the band's remaining members, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, to take part in the celebratory concert, but refuse to apologise for banning them from performing 40 years ago.
The band were scheduled to appear in 1965, but after claiming their music might corrupt the country's morals, the government refused to grant them permits.
Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor wrote in a letter to McCartney: "Israel missed a chance to learn from the most influential musicians of the decade, and the Beatles missed an opportunity to reach out to one of the most passionate audiences in the world. On our 60th anniversary, we would like to take the opportunity to offer you a second chance to play in Israel."
Prosor presented the letter to Jerry Goldman, head of 'The Beatles Story' exhibition in the group's hometown of Liverpool, and also sent a copy to McCartney and Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr.
Beatle John Lennon was assassinated in 1980, while George Harrison died in 2001 following his ongoing battle with cancer.
