Troy Parrott gave Ireland the lead from the penalty spot before Israel captain Dor Peretz equalised shortly after half-time. The result leaves Israel bottom of the group on two points, while Ireland remain third on five points.
Ireland take the lead
Ireland started brightly and created several opportunities during the opening stages, with Adam Idah and Parrott both testing Israel goalkeeper Assaf Tzur.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. After a VAR review, Ireland were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Jimmy Dunne inside the area.
Parrott stepped up and calmly sent Tzur the wrong way to give Ireland a 1-0 lead. The goal was the striker’s 15th for the Republic of Ireland.
Peretz restores parity
Israel responded immediately after the interval.
In the 46th minute, Oscar Gloukh’s effort from outside the box took a deflection off Liam Scales and fell kindly for Dor Peretz.
The Israel captain reacted quickly to fire the loose ball past Caoimhín Kelleher and make it 1-1.
Israel come close to winning
Both sides had opportunities to claim all three points during an open second half.
Israel twice struck the woodwork, with Omri Gandelman and Gloukh coming close to putting the visitors ahead.
Ireland also had a good opportunity when substitute Chiedozie Ogbene unleashed a powerful effort, but Tzur produced an excellent one-handed save to keep out the shot.
Neither side could find a decisive second goal as the points were shared.
Tense atmosphere in Serbia
The match was played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena following security and operational concerns surrounding the fixture.
The politically sensitive encounter also featured symbolic gestures from both teams. Ireland wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the Gaza conflict, while Israel wore black armbands to commemorate victims of the 7 October 2023 attack.
There were also no customary pre-match handshakes between the teams.
Ireland remain third in Group B3
The draw leaves Ireland third in Group B3 with five points, behind Austria and Kosovo, while Israel remain bottom with two points.
Ireland will complete their Nations League group campaign in November with matches against Austria and Kosovo.
Match summary
• Republic of Ireland: Troy Parrott 39' (pen)
• Israel: Dor Peretz 46'
Final score: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Israel