(UPDATE) According to sources who communicated with NBC News on Sunday, the relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Donald Trump has become strained.

These sources include two United States officials, two diplomats from the Middle East, and two additional individuals knowledgeable about the ongoing tensions, as clarified by NBC.

Initially, the relationship appeared robust following Trump’s return to the presidency in January, as both leaders shared similar perspectives on addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and countering Iranian aggression in the region.

However, their objectives diverged significantly; Netanyahu aims to eliminate Iran’s nuclear facilities, while Trump perceives an opportunity to mitigate the Iranian threat through the establishment of a nuclear agreement, as noted by the sources.

United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, publicly dismissed claims of tension between the two leaders via social media platform X/Twitter on Saturday, asserting that the partnership remains “STRONG.”

Additionally, Israel’s intensification of military operations in the Gaza Strip has deviated from Trump’s goal of achieving a ceasefire and developing the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

A further point of discord emerged when Trump unexpectedly introduced a ceasefire proposal involving the Yemeni Houthi militant group, prompting Netanyahu to assert that Israel would “defend itself.”

According to one United States official and an additional source familiar with the situation, Trump expressed frustration regarding Netanyahu’s expansion of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in Gaza.

Trump has privately remarked that these expanded military operations represent a “wasted effort,” as they complicate the prospects for future reconstruction, the sources revealed.

Conversely, Netanyahu has experienced considerable frustration over Trump’s reluctance to endorse airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the continuation of negotiations, according to all sources consulted by NBC.

Israel remains apprehensive about any potential agreement, as indicated by one of the United States officials.

“Israel has had no better friend in its history than President Trump.

We continue to collaborate closely with our ally Israel to ensure the safe return of remaining hostages in Gaza, prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and enhance regional security in the Middle East.

As President Trump has consistently stated during both his first and second terms, he is committed to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” stated James Hewitt, spokesperson for the United States National Security Council.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has maintained regular communication with Israel regarding the progress of negotiations with Iran, providing updates and coordinating elements pertinent to a potential agreement, according to a third United States official.