Kerry defends US action in the Middle East.
"I don't think we're being quixotic... We're working hard because the consequences of failure are unacceptable," he said, regarding the attempted agreement between Jews and Israelis.
MUNICH, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday that he remains hopeful that the Obama administration's effort to broker a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians can succeed.
The United States hopes to conclude a "structural" agreement in the coming weeks and then try to negotiate a final peace deal by the end of 2014, a U.S. official said this week, according to an attendee at a meeting with American Jewish leaders.
"I have hope and we will continue working towards that," Kerry stated during a speech at the Munich security conference. Despite widespread skepticism, the US Secretary of State is leading the country's effort to push both sides toward an agreement.
"I believe in the possibility, or I wouldn't pursue it," he said. "I don't think we're being quixotic... We're working hard because the consequences of failure are unacceptable."
US envoy Martin Indyk stated that the agreement plan will address key issues in the conflict, including borders, security, refugees, and Jewish settlements, according to a participant in the meeting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has already shown signs of tension regarding negotiations on a Palestinian state.
(By Missy Ryan)