Israel reached the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time on Saturday after Andy Ram [ Images ] and Jonathan Erlich gave them an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Russia [ Images ] in their World Group quarter-final.

Israel's experienced pairing of Ram and Erlich thrilled the home supporters to beat Russia's Marat Safin [ Images ] and Igor Kunitsyn 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4 in the doubles.

The hosts took a surprise 2-0 lead in the opening singles on Friday when 210th-ranked Harel Levy upset the formbook to beat Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 before Israeli number one Dudi Sela [ Images ] beat Mikhail Youzhny.

Israel will play the winners of the quarter-final tie between champions Spain and Germany [ Images ] from September 18 to 20.