In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 mortar shell into s. Israel, causing minor damage in a residential area but no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas into the Salfit campus of al-Quds Open University during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in al-Fawar r.c. and 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian schoolchildren in al-Tuwani nr. Hebron. (MNA, ToI 4/9, PCHR 4/10)
Israeli PM Netanyahu orders all govt. ministries to cease cooperation with their Palestinian counterparts, a measure taken in response to Abbas’s request to join 15 international conventions. Netanyahu provides exemptions for Justice Minister Livni, Israel’s chief peace negotiator, and security officials. Meanwhile, an unnamed senior official in Netanyahu’s office tells the New York Times that Israel is “deeply disappointed” with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s attribution of blame for the breakdown of talks, a reference to remarks made a day previously by the senior diplomat to a Senate cmte. Kerry meets with Israeli FM Lieberman in Washington, holding a joint press conference where both men reaffirm their commitment to the talks. Israeli economics and trade minister Bennett, however, urges Netanyahu to proceed with a “plan B,” meaning annexation of portions of the West Bank. Meanwhile, the Arab League meeting in Cairo ends with a call for Kerry to exert pressure on Israel to fulfil its commitments, while PA FM Maliki tells reporters that the FMs agree to provide financial support for the PA should Israel impose sanctions. (HA, MNA, REU, ToI, YA 4/9)
Talks between representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries in Vienna conclude. Iranian FM Zarif says that both sides agree on “50–60%” of issues, though “the remainders are important ones and diverse.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton says that the next round, starting 5/13, would see negotiations “move to the next phase.” Ashton describes the talks as “substantive and detailed,” with “intensive work” required to “overcome the differences ahead.” FM Zarif also says that Iranian negotiators have stated clearly their stance that none of the nuclear facilities “would be dismantled.” In Tehran, meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei says that the country’s negotiating team should not yield to issues “forced upon them,” in remarks made to nuclear scientists. (AFP, AP, REU 4/9)