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Attempting to clear a well-weighted cross from international newcomer Tranquillo Barnetta, the experienced Maccabi Haifa defender only succeeded in deflecting the ball onto his own goalpost and Switzerland's top striker Alex Frei took full advantage -- leaping over an outstretched Nir Davidovich in the Israeli goalmouth before slamming the ball over the line.
But Frei's 21st goal from 37 international starts was cancelled out 15 minutes later when Adoram Keisi rose unchallenged to head an Idan Tal free kick in off Pascal Zuberbuehler's right post.
Israel were forced to rely on increasingly hefty defending after the restart, picking up three yellow cards in rapid succession.
The home side kept up the pressure, another Frei effort headed onto his own crossbar by Tal Ben Haim, while substitute striker Mauro Lustrinelli could not quite connect with a late pass into the box.
The point gained was enough to send Switzerland top with three matches remaining -- but with two of those matches coming against Ireland and France, Kuhn knew his men had missed a big opportunity.
"As we expected it was a very tough match against a very strong Israeli team," Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn told reporters. "But that isn't to say that we couldn't have won this game."
"It will be difficult as we now need six points from our last three games," Kuhn reflected. "Israel are also still in with a chance now."
That point was not lost on the Israelis who have a much easier run-in than their opponents -- their two final matches are against the Faroe Islands -- but who have also played one game more than Switzerland, France and Ireland.
"I still believe it's possible for us to at least get second place," Israel and West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun said. "Of course we have to beat the Faroes first and then see what happens in the other games -- but at least everything is still possible."