Top court stops short of ordering Israel to suspend Gaza campaign

But the judges said Israel must take all steps to prevent any genocidal actions.

Speaking minutes after the ruling was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the court ruling upheld Israel’s right to defend itself.

“Israel’s commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people,” Netanyahu said. “Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself. The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected.”

Israeli officials told POLITICO that while they took exception to some of the ICJ’s statements, they considered it a win for Israel that the court did not try to curtail its right to self-defense. “Many of the steps the court is asking for, we are already doing,” an Israeli official said.

Hamas greeted the ruling by firing a series of rockets into southern Israel.