In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 4 agricultural structures nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian-owned house nr. Yitzhar, causing no injuries. In the same settlement, Jewish settlers clash overnight with Israeli security forces, leaving 6 border guards injured. (REU, WAFA 4/8; PCHR 4/10)
U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says in a Senate Foreign Relations Cmte. hearing that both Israelis and Palestinians, “whether advertently or inadvertently, wound up in positions where things happened that were unhelpful.” Kerry criticizes the Palestinians’ move to recognize international treaties, but specifies Israel’s prior failure to release Palestinian prisoners and announcement of 700 settlement units as fundamental to “find[ing] ourselves where we are.” Kerry also says that “there are limits to the amount of time” he can put into the negotiations, but adds that he hopes “the parties will be able to find a way back.” Kerry subsequently meets Pres. Obama and VP Joe Biden for discussions on the status of the peace negotiations. White House spokesperson Carney says that “the parties themselves have to make [the relevant choices and decisions].” Meanwhile, Pres. Abbas arrives in Cairo for an emergency meeting of Arab League FMs, accompanied by Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat and FM Riyad al-Maliki. Abbas requests $100 m. per mo. for an economic safety net in case Israel should impose financial sanctions. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA REU 4/8)
In the same Senate Foreign Relations Cmte. hearing, Secy. of State Kerry says that he is not optimistic about negotiations between representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries. He adds that Iran is about 2 mos. away from being able to produce enough material for a nuclear bomb should it decide to do so, though would not necessarily be able to deliver a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, in Vienna, representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries meet for 2 days of talks intended to focus on the concrete details of a potential deal. (AP, REU 4/8)