Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forbade all ministers and deputy ministers from making direct contact with members in US President-elect Donald Trump's team.

A written directive was distributed to all cabinet members on the matter by Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman following talks between Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel with a number of Trump advisers, Haaretz newspaper said.

"I would like to inform you that by the directive of the prime minister, the ministers and deputy ministers are required to not make any contact with the incoming US administration, other than through the Prime Minister's Office or the Israeli Embassy in Washington," the directive read.

"I would be thankful for the immediate compliance with the prime minister's said directive".

A senior official, who refused to be named, said the move comes following "an attempt by some unauthorized persons to meet with senior members in the new administration".

Source: MENA