Have you seen this petition? It just started a few hours ago - what are your thoughts on it? Suspend Israel from International Sports
Given that certain sporting bodies, particularly the IOC, have tried to row back from the Russia ban of late, I suspect the chances of this petition achieving its objective are pretty much nil. Even if a ban was imposed, the experience of South Africa under apartheid tells us it would have to remain in place for years, probably decades, in order for it to have a chance of being effective.
Yes, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the moment, and they have a good chance to play the main UEFA EURO. Their clubs participate in European clubs competition.
You're right about South Africa and how long it took. The difference is that Israel has never faced any international consequences for pretty much anything and this might come as a shock to the country. Anything is fine with me as long as it stops the mass slaughter unfolding in Gaza. Boycott is the only thing that can really work to isolate the country internationally. Russia was condemned the same day it invaded Ukraine by all sports governing bodies, and suspended within 4 days. Compare and contrast this case and that case - full letter of petition pretty much summarised the main differences and the fact that this case is much worse in terms of everything. Importantly, if they claim they are apolitical (but they are not), then you can see that FIFA and UEFA are ignoring even their own territorial rules (only clubs from one association can play in the leagues and competitions of that association) because clubs in illegal settlements (according to international law and UN resolutions) are allowed by Israeli Football Association to participate in their leagues even though those clubs are based on the territory of Palestinian association. So the chance is at least that part will have to be changed under pressure... The petition is brand new and just posted but it will surely gather tens of thousands of signatures.
Not hard to imagine more incidents like this occurring across the sporting spectrum: Ireland women's basketball team refuse to shake hands with Israel
