There is an understandable and widespread desire internationally to hold Israel to account before an international court for its disproportionate use of force and reckless disregard of civilians in Gaza – war crimes to many. But, as South Africa has found in its genocide case against Israel, the avenues for such litigation are frustratingly limited. Unable to sue in the International Criminal Court, which can prosecute individuals for war crimes but which Israel has not signed up to, the South Africans were forced to opt for the adjudicator of interstate disputes, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), whose remit covers...