One of Israel's leading literary figures and a former army head of intelligence have backed a new campaign to rally Anglo-Jewish support behind a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The new advocacy group Yachad is asking members to sign an open letter, urging Israel to heed "calls to return to the negotiating table," which it intends to present to new Israel ambassador Daniel Taub when he arrives.

Leading Israeli novelist David Grossman and Major General Shlomo Gazit have endorsed the group's action.

Mr Grossman wrote: "There has never been a more important time for friends and supporters of Israel to raise their voices in support of the steps needed to created peace."

Yachad also plans to release short video clips of prominent Israelis speaking of the "urgent need for a Palestinian state and need for diaspora Jews to raise their voices in support of its creation".