Top of Likud List
Top of Likud ListFlash 90

Forming a coalition continues to be a difficult process for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, with parties now arguing over the size of the government and its number of ministers.  

Likud officials said Monday night, according to Channel Ten, that without their consent to increase the number of ministers, Likud will take 12 ministerial portfolios, with the remaining six divided among coalition partners. 

Furthermore, Likud representatives informed Jewish Home and Yisrael Beytenu that if the governance law remains in place, MKs Ayelet Shaked and Sofa Landver will not receive portfolios. 

It is no secret Netanyahu is interested in repealing the governance law passed in the previous Knesset which whittled the cabinet down from 22 ministers to 18. But overturning that law would require the support of his fellow Likudniks. 

Negotiations meanwhile continue. Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, in addition to securing a number of ministerial posts and committee chairmanships, have demanded the conscription law be abolished. 

At the same time, Kulanu Chairman Moshe Kahlon has made it a requirement he have the chance to approve budget conditions with other coalition partners, as he is set to be appointed finance minister. 

On Sunday, after days of pressure from Jewish Home, Likud representatives announced to the party and its chairman Naftali Bennett, that the foreign affairs portfolio will remain with outgoing Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman.