Israel lost 2-0 to Ukraine in the World Group promotion play-off for the Fed Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 in Eilat.

Shahar Peer was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Katarinka Bondarenko (73) while Julia Glushko (126) fought fiercely before losing 7-6, 7-6 to Lesia Tsurenko (35).

Glushko was so incensed by some of the umpire’s decisions that she stormed off the court without shaking hands with either the umpire or her opponent.

Fourteen European teams gathered in Israel for the tournament.

There were two World Group places available and after losing to Turkey, victories over Estonia and Croatia saw Israel reach the promotion play-offs for the first time since 2009.

Belgium beat Great Britain to also win promotion.

Newly appointed Fed Cup captain Tzipi Obziler said: "It felt great to be back participating in the Fed Cup.

"It wasn't easy to reach the promotion play-off but Shahar and Julia worked hard and complemented each other, played straightforward tennis and kept errors to a minimum."