The exciting 26-year-old was told of the decision by Israel's new coach Dror Kashtan and will begin his captaincy when Israel take on Estonia away next month.
βI went to England and visited West Ham United's training ground, which helped me make this decision.
βIt's a big task for Yossi, but I believe in him.β Said Kashtan.
Israel play in a tough Group E along with England, Croatia, Russia, Estonia, Macedonia and Andorra however coach Kashtan is confident his new look side can qualify for their first major tournament since 1970.