US Secretary of State John Kerry told American Jewry that “we may not get another chance” to establish peace in Israel.

At Monday’s annual American Jewish Committee global forum in Washington, Mr Kerry implored the committee to show their support for a two-state solution in Israel.

He said: “We are running out of time and possibilities… the status quo is simply not sustainable. A stalemate today will not remain so tomorrow… are we prepared to live with permanent conflict?”

Mr Kerry acknowledged the skepticism around attempts to achieve peace in the area. He said: “I still believe peace is achievable and, more than ever, it’s worth fighting for.”

He added: “No one has a stronger voice in this than the American Jewish community... Leaders will take both steps only if their people push them to.”

This was Mr Kerry’s first official address to the American Jewish community since becoming Secretary of State. He has visited Israel four times this year in an effort to bring peace to the region.