The Dallas Cowboys were among the teams to honor Charlie Kirk before kickoff on Sunday following the conservative influencers assassination in Utah earlier in the week.The Cowboys put a picture of Kirk onto their videoboard in AT&T Stadium before the team played the New York Giants.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMCowboys team owner Jerry Jones talked to reporters after the game and explained why the team decided to honor the 31-year-old."We just all abhor violence. And its impacting us all. And, certainly, we all stand together on any front, relative to the threat of violence. I was a young guy, but aware, in the 60s when we had huge violence, lost President (John F.) Kennedy and his brother and many, many others, Martin Luther King," he said, via The Athletic."Its something that we all really need to just be aware of, support our law enforcement, and do everything we can to keep the violence in check."EX-JETS STAR 'DISGUSTED' WITH NEW JERSEY TOWN FOR FAILING TO HONOR CHARLIE KIRKThe Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints honored Kirk before the 1 p.m. ET games began. The Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs followed suit in the late afternoon games.The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts chose not to.Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting sparked a 33-hour manhunt and led to the arrest of Tyler Robinson in connection with the incident on Friday.Vigils and remembrances were held across the country over the last few days to honor his memory.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

West Nile virus is surging across the U.S. this summer, with infections running about 40% higher than normal, according to new reports.The virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, although the disease cycle also includes infected birds. When mosquitoes feed on infected birds, they can pick up the virus and transmit it to humans.There have been roughly 770 human cases in the U.S. as of early September, with nearly 500 classified as severe, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks cases reported by state health departments.KANSAS TRACKS 5 SERIOUS WEST NILE VIRUS CASES AS MOSQUITO SEASON PEAKS ACROSS THE STATEThat's about 40% higher than the average number of cases reported by this point in previous years (around 550 total and 350 that qualify as severe), based on CDC data.Most West Nile cases are reported in August and September.The official report emphasized that this data is still preliminary. Many mild infections go unreported, and theres often a lag before all severe cases are confirmed.MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS SPREADING THROUGH CHINA CAUSES HIGH FEVER, JOINT PAINThough a spike is expected during peak season, experts say the intensity of the outbreak and the percentage of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus is unusual.For most people, West Nile produces mild symptoms such as fever, aches and rashes or none at all, according to the CDC.In rare serious cases, the virus invades the nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death.Its the spike in these latter symptoms that is causing concern. People over 50 or those with compromised immune systems are at highest risk, experts caution.West Nile virus was first identified in Africa in 1937, with the first European outbreak occurring in 1996. It reached the U.S. in 1999, when an outbreak in New York sent 62 people to the hospital over two months, data shows.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERAvoiding mosquito bites is the first line of defense. Health officials recommend wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing; applying insect repellent (especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active); and ensuring that window screens are secure.MORE IN HEALTH NEWSAround homes, eliminating standing water (like that found in buckets, tires and gutters) can help keep mosquitoes from breeding.

The suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk was a "very normal young man" who later developed a "leftist ideology" after appearing to become increasingly radicalized in recent years, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday.Cox revealed the new details about 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson to NBCs "Meet the Press," though said that investigators are not yet ready to discuss a potential motive as they continue to piece together information about the alleged assassin.Cox said family and friends of Robinson described his politics as appearing to shift left after dropping out of Utah State University."It seemed to happen kind of after that after he moved back to the southern part of Utah," he said. "Clearly, there was a lot of gaming going on, friends that have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, Reddit culture and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep."FBI INVESTIGATING LEFTIST GROUPS FOR POSSIBLE TIES TO CHARLIE KIRKS ASSASSINATION: SOURCERobinson is accused of shooting and killing Kirk as the 31-year-old husband and father of two young children was holding a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday."The why behind this, again, we're all drawing lots of conclusions on how someone like this could be radicalized, and I think that those are important questions for us to ask and important questions for us to answer," he said.While Cox did not get into specifics about Robinsons ideology, the governor did point to references engraved on the ammunition used to kill Kirk, with records showing one bullet casing had the message, "Hey, fascist! Catch!""You saw that on the casings," Cox said, noting "the memeification that is happening in our society today."Cox said more information about the suspect and a potential motive may be released Tuesday when charges against Robinson are filed.CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED SHOOTER NOT COOPERATING WITH AUTHORITIES, UTAH GOV. COX SAYSSenior-level FBI officials previouslyconfirmed to Fox News Digital that Robinson was in a "romantic relationship" with a transgender partner. The officials said Robinson lived with the unnamed person, who is a male transitioning to a female and that they shared an apartment in St. George, Utah.Cox said the partner has been "very cooperative with authorities."Robinson, however, has not been cooperating since his arrest, according to Cox."He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important," Cox told ABC News.Authorities said Sunday that Robinson is being held under "special watch" pending the completion of a mental health evaluation.Until Robinson clears a mental health evaluation, authorities are keeping a "close eye" on him, theUtah County Sheriff's Departmentsaid in a statement.Fox News Digitals Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

FIRST ON FOX: A House Republican is demanding that Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., be stripped of her committee assignments, accusing her of making disparaging comments toward Charlie Kirk after his assassination last week.Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., is introducing a resolution on Monday to remove Omar from her two current committees: the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.She is the top Democrat on the latter panel's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.It's part of the continued fallout from Kirk's killing in Utah during a college speaking event.GOP GOVERNOR NOMINEE PUSHES REDISTRICTING TO OUST STATE'S LONE HOUSE DEMRepublicans have responded forcefully to Democrats who they view as taking Kirk's death lightly or dismissing it as a product of his conservative activism.Omar, in particular, has faced backlash from the right over an interview with progressive news outlet Zeteo, where she criticized Kirk's past commentary and Republicans' reaction to the shooting. She accused Republicans of taking her words out of context, however, and she called Kirk's death "mortifying."She told the outlet days after Kirk's assassination that he previously "downplayed slavery and what Black people have gone through in this country by saying Juneteenth shouldn't exist.""There are a lot of people who are out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate," the "Squad" member said. "There is nothing more effed up, you know, like, than to completely pretend that, you know, his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so."She criticized Republican figures who have been going after Democrats for their rhetoric, adding, "These people are full of s---. And it's important for us to call them out while we feel anger and sadness, and have, you know, empathy, which Charlie said, 'No, it shouldn't exist,' because that's a newly created word or something.""Like, I have empathy for his kids and his wife and what they're going through," Omar continued.SCRUTINY INTENSIFIES OVER SECURITY LAPSES SURROUNDING THE CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTINGShe later posted on X amid the backlash, "While I disagreed with Charlie Kirk vehemently about his rhetoric, my heart breaks for his wife and children. I dont wish violence on anyone. My faith teaches me the power of peace, empathy, and compassion. Right-wing accounts trying to spin a false story when I condemned his murder multiple times is fitting for their agenda to villainize the left to hide from the fact that Donald Trump gins up hate on a daily basis."Carter told Fox News Digital, however, "Disparaging Charlie Kirks legacy, a God-fearing, honorable man, for boldly sharing his conservative beliefs is disgusting. The radical left has normalized meeting free speech with violence, and it must stop.""No one who justifies the assassination of someone with different political views than them deserves to sit on a committee, and Ilhan Omar openly used language that incites violence toward her political opponents. Committees are for serious lawmakers, not hate-spewing politicians," he said.Carter, who is currently running for U.S. Senate, sits on the House Budget Committee alongside Omar.Fox News Digital reached out to the Minnesota progressive's office for comment but did not hear back by press time.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., is asking Floridians to report those celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying such people should face significant consequences."Those celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk must be thrown out of civil society," Fine wrote on the social platform X. "I will demand their firing, defunding, and license revocation.""If you are aware of anyone in the 6th District of Florida or anywhere in the state who works at any level of government, works for an entity that receives government funding (health care, university), or holds a professional license (lawyer, medical professional, teacher) that is publicly celebrating the violence, please contact my office," he said. "I will demand their firing, defunding, and license revocation."FOLLOWING KIRKS ASSASSINATION, LAWMAKERS REACT TO LETHAL POLITICAL CLIMATE: 'VIOLENT WORDS PRECEDE VIOLENT ACTIONS'Kirk's death has prompted fierce backlash from Republicans against those who have diminished the fatal shooting.Some people have been called out on social media and even dismissed from their jobs over their reactions to the killing.Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned military service members and the Pentagons civilian workforce that comments mocking Kirks assassination were being tracked."It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of Defense civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American. The Department of Defense has zero tolerance for it," Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, chief Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor, declared in a post on X.CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, JOSH DUHAMEL, JILLIAN MICHAELS DENOUNCE POLITICAL VIOLENCE"We are tracking all these very closely and will address [them] immediately. Completely unacceptable," Hegseth wrote in his own post.On Monday, Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah said she was fired over social media posts related to the Kirk shooting."As a columnist, I used my voice to defend freedom and democracy, challenge power, and reflect on culture and politics with honesty and conviction," she wrote on Substack. "Now, I am the one being silenced for doing my job."

Discord, the widely used messaging platform popular with the gaming community, is at the center of the investigation of Tyler Robinson, the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk.Robinson was arrested last week on suspicion of shooting and killing Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist, while he was speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University.Robinson's alleged use of the app has come to the attention of authorities and become significant in the probe of Kirk's assassination.CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED SHOOTER NOT COOPERATING WITH AUTHORITIES, UTAH GOV. COX SAYSDiscord is a messaging platform with more than 200 million monthly users who interact through text, voice and video. It is especially popular with gamers and allows them to form communities around "various topics, interests, or gaming groups," according to the company.While mostly known for its association with the gaming community, Discord is used by a wide variety of people around other interest areas as well.According to USA Today, communication on Discord happens on"servers," whichare similar to "groups" on Meta's Facebook or Instagram.These are "invite-only spaces for your friends or community places where you can connect, collaborate, and enjoy meaningful conversations together," according to the company.Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspected of murdering Kirk, allegedly discussed details of the crime with a roommate on the Discord app.DEATH PENALTY LOOMS FOR CHARLIE KIRKS ACCUSED KILLER BUT LEGAL BAR IS HIGH AS TRUMP, COX MOUNT PRESSUREDuring a press briefing Friday morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson sent messages on Discord about stowing and retrieving a rifle from a "drop point."The messages shown to officials also refer to engraving bullets, and a mention of the "scope and the rifle being unique," according to an affidavit.The New York Times reported Saturday that an acquaintance of Robinson appeared to recognize him from surveillance images released of the suspected killer the day after the shooting, tagging his username on Discord and writing "wya," meaning, "Where you at?" Robinson joked back that his "doppelganger" was trying to get him in trouble.He later also quipped that he would like a share of the reward if someone else on the Discord chat turned him in.A Discord spokesman told Fox News Digital it has not uncovered evidence the suspect promoted violence on the platform."During our investigation, Discord identified an account belonging to the suspect. We have not found or received any evidence that the suspect planned this incident on Discord or promoted violence on Discord. The messages referenced in reporting about weapon retrieval and planning details were not Discord messages, and likely took place on a phone-number based messaging platform. We continue to work closely with the FBI and local authorities, and will continue to deliver prompt responses to their requests for assistance."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION SUSPECT AWAITS CHARGES AS UTAH RESIDENTS DESCRIBE ALLEGED KILLER AS VERY QUIETSome critics have said Discord's private channels can be hotbeds for extreme rhetoric that can't be monitored, and it also doesn't employ enough protections for younger users.The perpetrator of the 2022 racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, openly discussed his plans to carry out the attack on Discord. Discord ultimately deleted the server he used and expressed devastation at his use of its platform to plan the massacre.Thomas Matthew Crooks, the attempted assassin of President Donald Trump last year, had an account on the Discord app. Discord deactivated his account afterward, saying it was rarely used, there was no evidence he used it to plan the attack, and the company strongly condemns violence.New Jersey sued Discord in April, alleging the company was engaging in deceptive business practices that don't protect its youngest users.In 2023, Discord helped foil a potential mass shooting at a synagogue after a 13-year-old allegedly made threats on the app. According to ABC News, Discord reported the disturbing messages to authorities, leading to an arrest before the attack was carried out.Discord says it does not allow hateful conduct or speech on its platforms."We dont allow hateful conduct or the use of hate speech while on Discord. This includes hate symbols and denial of historical mass atrocities. We define hate speech as any expression that degrades, vilifies, or dehumanizes individuals, incites hostility towards specific groups, or promotes harm based on protected characteristics," its official policy states.Discord has a minimum age of 13 to use its services in the U.S. and most other countries. Some countries have set higher age minimums to use the platform.

A New Jersey town that faced criticism for flying an American flag at full staff despite President Donald Trumps order to lower flags on government buildings to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk defended its decision on Monday.New York Jets great Nick Mangold may have been the loudest critic as he blasted Madison with a social media post showing the flag at full staff.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHowever, Madison officials wrote in a Facebook post that it was following the states directive."Over the weekend, we received questions about the lowering of the American flag in the borough. Madisons policy is to follow the State of New Jerseys daily flag status," the town said in a post with a link to New Jerseys flag status. "Over the weekend, the status was full staff."The Borough of Madison condemns all forms of political violence and rejects hate in every form. We remain committed to bringing people together around our shared values and ideals."Mangold, the seven-time Pro Bowl center and two-time All-Pro selection, was among those upset with the towns decision.LIV GOLF STAR PHIL MICKELSON SLAMS 'DISGUSTING RHETORIC' AFTER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION"Im disgusted and saddened by my town (Madison) and my state (New Jersey)," he wrote on X. "This is wrong on so many levels as an American husband and father was assassinated for expressing his right to free speech."Mangold tagged New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the two gubernatorial candidates who are fighting to succeed Murphy, state Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli.Officials in Bergen County, New Jersey, also came under fire for the same flag decision.Trumps proclamation to have the flags at half-staff came after Kirk was assassinated on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.Since then, several remembrances and vigils have been held across the country to honor Kirk. Several NFL teams held moments of silence during Sundays games.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is having a heightened impact on the young people of Arizona, where his organization is headquartered.The location of TPUSA's headquarters, as well as its political arm, Turning Point Action, has resulted in the group playing an outsized role in the Grand Canyon State, which was considered hotly competitive in 2024.A Fox News voter analysis found that 48% of people aged 18-29 voted for President Donald Trump in Arizona, with former Vice President Kamala Harris only narrowly winning the demographic with 51%. Overall, Trump won the state with over 52% of the vote.TURNING POINT USA SAYS CAMPUS CHAPTER REQUESTS SURGE TO OVER 32,000 AFTER KIRK'S ASSASSINATIONThe state also has multiple large universities, including Arizona State University, the University of Arizona in Tucson, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University, a private Christian institution in west Phoenix.Arizona State Universitys College Republicans and TPUSA are hosting a large vigil for Kirk on Monday night. A source familiar with the event told Fox News Digital that it already has thousands of people registered to attend.Jordan Oveson and Chandler Buchanan, both 23 years old, told Fox News Digital outside the Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, where Kirk's body is being held, on Saturday that Kirk had a major impact on Generation Z."He really meant a lot to me, helping younger people find their voices and talking about faith and politics. And I feel like a lot of young people have a hard time figuring out what they believe in, and I feel like Charlie Kirk really helped a lot of people, and especially younger people, realize and find what they believe in and find their voices for that," Buchanan said.'SLEEPING GIANT' LIKELY WOKE UP FOR TURNING POINT USA AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION"I didn't know too much about him until he came to Grand Canyon University last year and spoke to all of us, and I heard things that he was saying like that he brings all of this through God and through his faith. And I do come from a Christian college, so I already believed in that, but it made me look deeper into what we are as people and our freedom, and he shed a good light on that," Oveson said.Buchanan said the tragedy could "bring a lot of people closer to God, and it's gonna help a lot of people find what they truly believe in."TPUSA has seen 37,000 new chapter requests since the Wednesday shooting, and the group already has roughly 900 college and 1,200 high school chapters. Theres also an increase in job and volunteer applications."I have personally received hundreds of offers to work for us, or to work for free, or to just help however," TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet told Fox News Digital.ANTI-TRUMP VOICES PRAISE CHARLIE KIRK'S LEGACY AFTER ASSASSINATION, SAY HE WAS DOING POLITICS 'THE RIGHT WAY'Kirks celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and Trump said he is planning to attend. Hotels immediately around the stadium have already sold out for the weekend of the event.His wife, Erika Kirk, in her first public remarks since her husband's assassination, called on people to get involved in the Christian faith by joining a "Bible-believing church" and to get involved in Turning Point USA as a way to honor the slain activist's legacy."To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die," she said. "It won't. I refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end. Not even for a moment."

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) chief Randi Weingarten is set to hold a virtual event Tuesday promoting her new book on educators battling "fascist regimes" an appearance that comes less than a week after the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, reportedly motivated by anti-fascist ideology.The virtual event is slated to kick off at 4 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday and is hosted by a group called Emerge, a liberal nonprofit that "recruits, trains, and provides a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office," according to its website.The event will focus on Weingarten's new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers," and will include Emerge President and CEO Ashanti F. Gholar.Fox News Digital reached out to the American Federation of Teachers and Emerge inquiring if the event had been canceled in light of Kirk's assassination or if Weingarten would address his death, but did not receive replies. Promotions for the event are still active on Emerge's website.Weingarten's book, which hits bookshelves Tuesday, elaborates on her views battling what she says is fascist ideology and how it works to "undermine democracy, opportunity, and public education as we know it."DONALD TRUMP JR. WARNS POLITICAL VIOLENCE IS 'NOT GOING BOTH WAYS' AS HE MOURNS CHARLIE KIRK'S DEATH"Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum," the book's preview reads. "Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves."Media pundits and conservatives have been pointing to the left's years of claiming conservative figures such as Kirk are "fascists."CONNECTICUT GOP ACCUSES DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN OF CELEBRATING CHARLIE KIRK'S MURDERKirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2018, was assassinated Wednesday during a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University when a single shot rang out and struck the conservative political leader in the neck. Officials identified Tyler Robinson as the suspect in the case, detaining him late Thursday after Robinson confessed the violence to his father, investigators said. Robinson, 22, is under "special watch" while in custody until he completes a mental health evaluation, authorities reported Sunday.Senior investigators told Fox News Digital that officials also are interviewing Robinson's romantic partner, an unidentified male who is currently transitioning to female, who is cooperating with officials.Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told the media Friday that the inscriptions on the casings the suspect brought with him to the attacks were inscribed with anti-fascist messaging such as, "Hey fascist! Catch!" shedding light on the suspect's motives to kill Kirk as investigators continue combing through his life.NEW YORK TEACHER SUSPENDED AFTER CELEBRATING CHARLIE KIRKS ASSASSINATION: GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD GARBAGEKirk, 31, leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children, ages 1 and 3. His funeral is scheduled for Sept. 21 in Arizona and will be attended by President Donald Trump and other administration leaders.The American Federation of Teachers chief condemned "political violence" following the assassination."Let's be clear: violence is never okay," she posted to X Wednesday. "Political violence is never okay. Gun violence ruins lives. My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family and everyone who was present at this horrific event."DAVID MARCUS: DEMOCRATS MUST STOP THEIR DEADLY ANTI-FASCISM COSPLAY"There is no excuse for political violence against anyone for their beliefs," she posted to X Sunday. "We must condemn it unequivocally. And I hope this tragedy sparks a serious conversation about the role social media plays in spreading fear, hate & disinformation."Weingarten's book railing against "fascists" follows her full-court press during the 2024 election cycle against a second Trump administration, warning Democrat votes were the "best defense against tyranny and fascism.""The November elections will determine which path we take as a nation. Progress is indeed possible, but so is the eradication of the rights and freedoms we hold dear," Weingarten said during AFTs annual convention in Houston, in July 2024."Historians who study threats to democracy and how fascists come to power conclude that it is seldom a dramatic event or attack that lets fascism in the door. The violence comes later after they are voted in," she continued in a speech that was slammed by conservatives as "unhinged."

FIRST ON FOX: Israel's top military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, is opposing a full military takeover of Gaza and urging adoption of the Witkoff plan, three senior sources told Fox News Digital amid mounting debate over the countrys next steps."The chief of staff is standing by his professional judgment, based on the experience of this war," one former senior IDF official said. "In recent days he told the cabinet that while the IDF is prepared for a ground maneuver, the correct path is to reach a deal to save all the hostages and to enter negotiations. A maneuver now could endanger the hostages, as we saw in Tel Sultan."RUBIO, NETANYAHU DISCUSS GLOBAL IMPACT OF CHARLIE KIRKS DEATH, WARN OF DESTRUCTIVE THREATS TO DEMOCRACYThe Tel Sultan incident in Rafah in 2024 remains a turning point in Israeli decision-making. During that operation,Hamas executed six hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, as Israeli forces closed in, underscoring the risks of a large-scale ground maneuver before negotiations are exhausted.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that Israels goal "is not to occupy Gaza. Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists," arguing that seizing Gaza City is necessary because Hamas refuses to lay down arms. He has said this is the only way to secure the release of the roughly48 hostages still held in Gaza.But the former senior official told Fox News that military pressure has already brought Hamas back to the Witkoff framework of July 29. "The framework should be accepted, and Washington should understand the chiefs position as it was presented to the cabinet. Hamas is ready to stand by those conditions now. The chief of staff opposes military rule in Gaza and believes Israel should look ahead to the day after and draw a political solution accordingly. If necessary, the IDF can continue fighting after such an agreement."ISRAELS GAZA OFFENSIVE SPARKS FIERCE CLASH OVER ULTRA-ORTHODOX MILITARY DRAFTA spokesperson from the Prime Ministers Office told Fox News Digital in response: "The Israeli cabinet decided to move forward with the operation plan presented by the chief of staff himself."A recent Politico report quoted a source described as "close to the presidents national security team," saying the Tuesday strike against Hamass leadership in Doha may have been an intentional move to hinder negotiations. "Every time theyre making progress, it seems like he [Netanyahu] bombs someone," the source said in the report.The officials confirmed to Fox News Digital that both the IDF chief of staff and the Mossad director opposed the timing of theQatar operation. "The plan was long in the works, but there was no reason to choose this specific timing instead of waiting to get Hamass response in the negotiations," one said, adding that "that decision, as well as the decision to continue the Gaza operation, go against professional echelon advice."A second source familiar with cabinet deliberations confirmed the chief of staff reiterated his position last Friday and again yesterday in both the Security Cabinet and the Foreign Affairs and Defense subcommittee. "He has made clear that the Witkoff plan is a good one," the source said, pointing to its terms: a 60-day Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of 10 live hostages and 15 bodies, with Israel free to resume fighting if Hamas violates the deal.