Secretary of State John Kerry says a two-state peace solution between the Israelis and Palestinians must be reached in the next two years or the window of opportunity may be closed.

Kerry says he sensed a seriousness of purpose in his meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah.

He says he will not publicly lay out a plan for Mideast peace.

But he says if nothing is worked out over the next two years, the chance for a peaceful agreement establishing an independent Palestine may be over.