Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to have clashed with British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis over the building of settlements.

A media report in Israel claimed the men had disagreed over the issue during a private meeting in London on Wednesday evening.

Mr Netanyahu met Jewish community leaders for talks at the start of his visit to Britain .

The Times of Israel claimed minutes from the private session had revealed the two men were at odds over settlement policy in the West Bank.

Rabbi Mirvis was said to have told Mr Netanyahu that he had been approached by supporters of Israel who wanted to “help us help you”, by limiting settlement expansion.

But Mr Netanyahu replied by saying “settlements are not the issue”, according to the website.

A spokesman for chief rabbi's office said it would not comment on discussions at a private meeting.

During the London trip the Israeli leader met other communal figures including Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush.