Stakes high as South Africa brings claim of genocidal intent against Israel

Israel's decision to defend itself at the international court of justice will make it harder for it to brush aside any adverse finding

South Africa's request for an interim measure by the international court of justice to prevent Israel from committing acts of potential genocide - primarily by calling for a halt to combat operations - has suddenly taken on an urgency and relevance that seemed implausible a fortnight ago.

Crack legal teams are being assembled, countries are issuing statements in support of South Africa, and Israel has said it will defend itself in court, reversing a decades-old policy of boycotting the UN's top court and its 15 elected judges.