Updated

Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday to form a new Israeli government, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. Under Basic Law: The Government, Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, and the president may grant an extension of up to 14 additional days. Haaretz reported that the deadline falls on February 26, after which the Knesset would dissolve and Israel would head to another election, and that Herzog may push for a unity government with Netanyahu if Eisenkot fails. Middle East Eye reported that Eisenkot said any party joining his national emergency government must commit to recognising Hamas as a terrorist organisation and to destroying its military and governing capabilities. Reports say disagreements among potential partners remain deep.