Israel were beaten 2-1 by Belarus in an international friendly in Jerusalem on Wednesday night.

Missing captain Yossi Benayoun, who had rejoined the squad following his omission against Luxembourg, only to pick up an injury on duty for West Ham, Israel forged ahead through Omer Damari at the Teddy Stadium, but conceded two goals at the start of the second half.

Belarus drew level on 46 minutes when Syarhey Kislyak converted a powerful drive from the edge of the box, and the winning goal came just 60 seconds later through Syarhey Balanovich.

Israel's next World Cup qualifier is the crucial match against Portugal on March 22.

Meanwhile, the IFA have announced that all football matches in southern Israel have been postponed due to the unrest in the region.