Go to this site. It takes forever to load so if you want to go to one of the links open a new window to save time. This site covers everything Merkava.
http://www.supervideo.com/MXCD-ROMOS.htm
On site is a picture of one of the authors tank teams. In that pic there are 9 men. In the caption it says that he (the author) and another soldier taking the picture are out of the shot. Thats 11 men total. 4 crew, 7 infantry, no reduction in ammo.
Another photo from inside a Merkava plainly shows 4 full armed combat soldiers. The caption states that 4 have already been deployed not counting the photographer. Thats 9 troops.
The new Merkava "Tankbulance" carries a doctor, 2 orderlies, space for 2 stretcher cases, life support equipment, and medical supplies. This version has a slightly reduced main gun ammo load but still has all the weapons of a normal Merkava.
The site also contains info on.... well just about everything about a Merkava you can think of from springs to on board UAVs. Look at it then tell me what you think. You will be greeted by the biggest picture of a Merkava that I have ever seen on the internet!
P.S. Did you know that the Merkava and the Namer have on board toilets!