Netanyahu and government ministers
Netanyahu and government ministersFlash 90

Coalition negotiations for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's next government have seen their fair share of battles over ministerial posts, but behind the scenes lingers a debate over whether to increase the number of ministers in the government. 

The previous government passed an amendment to the Basic Law restricting the number of ministers to 18 and the number of deputy ministers to four. 

Despite supporting the measure then, Likud MKs and ministers have ben pushing now for the increase, Yediot Aharonot reports, arguing that the move is necessary to satisfy the demands of other parties expected to join the coalition. 

They believe the appointment of 21 ministers is reasonable and will serve to provide stability to the 20th Knesset's coalition. 

Interestingly enough, a majority of Likud's probable coalition partners are opposed to the increase, although the issue seems unlikely to have much of an affect on ongoing negotiations. 

Perhaps most staunchly opposed is Shas, who made clear during talks with Likud that increasing the number of ministers would be a waste of public funds and harm the weaker sectors of society. 

Yisrael Beytenu, one of the initiators of the amendment, said it opposes raising the number, but officials have acknowledged that Likud is updating them on the issue and their opinion is subject to change. 

Kulanu, too, also disapproved of the increase on principle, but said they would only take an official position after talking to Likud on the subject. 

Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism, which only seeks one ministerial position, did not give much weight to the issue as its number of representatives in the government would remain unchanged, while Jewish Home has been mum on the topic. 

Despite the somewhat vocal opposition, there have been no formal meetings between Netanyahu and other party leaders over the potential increase in minister, and the issue seems unlikely to serve as a catalyst to halting any coalition deals.