Israeli Ministers Told to Clear Contacts With Trump Team

Recently-appointed Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman has notified ministers in the Israeli government that they may not conduct communications with members of the incoming Trump administration on their own.

Braverman sent a letter instructing them to clear any such contacts with the Prime Minister’s Office or the Israeli Embassy in Washington, according to Walla report on Monday.

The news follows publication by the Breitbart website of a letter from Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel to Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist, thanking him for his support of Israel.

Last week, Netanyahu also instructed government officials to refrain from public comments on the election, though several ministers have praised Trump for his promises to move the U.S. embassy to Yerushalayim.