US President-elect Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Facebook.

JNS.org – Israeli government members and their deputies may not contact US President-elect Donald Trump without receiving a green light from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister announced Monday in a directive sent to all ministries.

“As per the instructions of the prime minister, cabinet ministers and deputy ministers are hereby informed that they may not make contact with the president-elect without getting the necessary approval from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Israeli Embassy in the United States,” Israeli Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman wrote.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu asked ministers not to comment on the incoming American administration, but Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman chose to speak publicly about Israel’s relations with the future president, expressing hope that the two sides would be able to reach an understanding over settlement construction in the West Bank. Other ministers, including Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home), also said they would like to meet or speak with members of Trump’s team.