Bill passes to expand cabinet, gov't likely to be sworn in Thursday

Netanyahu is now expected to start meeting with Likud ministers and Knesset to inform them what posts they will receive in the new government.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
The Knesset (photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
The Knesset
(photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
The Knesset passed a bill on Wednesday afternoon which would delay instituting an 18-minister limit to the next Knesset and permit numerous ministers-without-portolio.  Following the bill's passage there was no longer a limit  on the number of ministers and deputy ministers. 
The bill was passed into law by a slim 61-59 margin.
Following the passage of the bill, Netanyahu is expected to start meeting with Likud ministers and members of Knesset to inform them what posts they will receive in the new government.
The new government is likely to be sworn in on Thursday. 
“The formation of the current government has proven that the coalition system in Israel makes it impossible to endure a limit of 18 ministers,” coalition chairman Ze’ev Elkin told the Knesset on Tuesday. “Such a limit harms the stability and flexibility required for governing,” he said.