Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hand cast an unfortunate shadow across German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.
The awkward photo op occurred during a meeting held at the King David hotel in Jerusalem to discuss nuclear talks with Iran.
The two leaders were unable to reach an agreement during the talks. Netanyahu believes Iran’s nuclear program must be dismantled, while Merkel, and leaders from the other world powers negotiating with Tehran, are demanding significant cuts.
The United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany have been pursuing talks to roll back Iran’s nuclear program, with the next session planned for next month.
Netanyahu has been very critical of the negotiations, saying that Iran hasn’t done enough to earn the easing of sanctions.
Merkel, whose government is a key ally of Israel, also took the opportunity to encourage Netanyahu to reach a two-state solution with the Palestinians.