President Shimon Peres on Wednesday told a delegation of visiting U.S. Democratic congressmen that he believes that it is still possible for Israel to reach peace with the Palestinians, Israel Radio reported.

Peres said that both sides understand that they need to overcome differences and renew negotiations before the United Nations General Assembly session in New York next month at which the Palestinians have said they will seek recognition of statehood.

House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer, in Israel as part of the congressional delegation, said he believes that the U.S. will veto any Palestinian attempt to receive UN recognition of statehood. Hoyer said that negotiations without preconditions are the only way for peace to be achieved.

Dozens of demonstrators protested outside the presidential residence in Jerusalem during the congressional delegation's visit, calling for the release of Jonathan Pollard, who was convicted in 1987 of spying on the U.S. for Israel.