The match was marred by pro-Palestinian demonstrations after South African Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi boycotted the event due to Israeli government policies.
On court Israel's task was made easier by the absence of South Africa's world No. 11 Kevin Anderson. Israel's Idan Leshem (253) lost the opening rubber to Lloyd Harris (290) but Dudi Sela (97) drew Israel level with victory over Nicolaas Scholtz (328)
In the doubles, Sela and Jonathan Erlich lost 7-5, 4-6, 4-6 to Raven Klaasen and Ruan Roelofse.
The new abbreviated format in which Davis Cup matches are played over two days and the best-of-three rather than five sets, meant Sela had to come straight back on court. Looking tired, he nevertheless beat Harris 7-6, 6-1. Leshem then stepped up to beat Scholtz 6-3, 7-5.
