In this opinion column, Rob Roberts writes from Jerusalem following the International Court of Justice’s preliminary ruling ordering Israel to take measures to prevent acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention while declining to mandate a ceasefire. Roberts describes a country still reeling from the October 7 attacks, including displaced residents from southern and northern border communities and ongoing hostage vigils. He recounts conversations with Israeli officials and civilians who argue that dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capacity remains the overriding objective, regardless of international legal proceedings. The article frames the ICJ ruling within broader wartime sentiment in Israel and examines how international pressure is perceived domestically.