For weeks, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have appeared united since the initial strikes on Iran. However, recent reports suggest there might be emerging tensions in their partnership.
A report from Axios has shed light on a phone conversation between the U.S. and Israeli leaders that took place last week.
During this call, Netanyahu proposed making a public appeal for the Iranian people to rise up and take to the streets against their government.
Trump, however, immediately dismissed Netanyahu’s suggestion.
“Why should we encourage people to protest when they’ll just be met with violence?” Trump reportedly questioned, according to the Axios account.
This response comes in the wake of deadly protests that erupted in Iran earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands.
The two men reportedly agreed to wait and see if the Iranian public made any move during the country’s annual festival of fire.
“Our aircraft are striking terrorist operatives on the ground, on roads and in public squares. This is meant to allow the brave Iranian people to celebrate the Festival of Fire. So go out and celebrate…we are watching from above,” Netanyahu said at the time.
