(JNS) U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman has reportedly asked the State Department to drop using the term “occupied” when referring to Israel’s control over Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem.

According to a report by Kan, Israel’s Broadcasting Corporation, the State Department initially refused the recent request but later agreed to discuss the matter after receiving pressure “from above”—an apparent reference to the White House. The report added that President Donald Trump will have the final decision on the terminology.

Friedman, who had strong ties to Israel’s Judea and Samaria region prior to his appointment by Trump, has at times experienced tension with his colleagues at the State Department. In an interview with the Israeli news outlet Walla in late September, Friedman said he believes that the settlements are “part of Israel.”