An upcoming Mideast conference in the U.S. should serve as a stepping stone toward a peace accord between Israelis and Palestinians, Tony Blair has told an Israeli TV station.

Mr Blair told the Jerusalam-based Channel 2 that he hoped to help build a strong, moderate Palestinian government able to exercise law and order.

The key question for Palestinians, he said, is whether moderates who want the right vision for Palestine - and want it to live side by side in peace with Israel - are able to take charge.

"What I can say is that the next few months will decide whether the will is there to do that," Mr Blair said.

"I think what is important about the November meeting is that it ... gives us a stepping stone for a future agreement," he added. At the meeting, he said, it needs to be clear that there is sufficient common ground and that, with time, it will be possible to reach an agreement.

Asked if Israel should negotiate with the Islamic militant Hamas, which violently seized control of the Gaza Strip in June, Mr Blair said he didn't think that was either possible or sensible.

"I think Israel should be prepared to negotiate with Palestinians who want peace," Mr Blair said. "But if people don't want peace, it's difficult to negotiate with them."