The Red Devils’ skipper, earning his 106th cap, was at his inspirational best in a Nations League match played behind closed doors at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary due to security concerns.
And his first goal was very much a Manchester City affair as he thumped home a Jeremy Doku pass from inside the box with 21 played.
Israel levelled through a Timothy Castagne own goal on 36 minutes in an end-to-end first half.
Doku continued to torment the Israel defence, but the teams went in level at the break.
Belgium regained the lead just three minutes after the restart with a smart finish by Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans.
And just three minutes later, the Belgians scored again as Loïs Openda was fouled in the box and De Bruyne calmly slotted the resulting penalty home to make it 3-1 and claim his 30th international goal.
And the City maestro could have collected his first ever international hat-trick on 58 when Openda won another penalty.
The skipper unselfishly handed ball to Openda who promptly saw his spot-kick saved.
Doku was replaced on 74 by Julien Duranville and moments later, De Bruyne received a yellow card for a foul.
KDB went close to scoring his third before the end and was lively and sharp throughout, playing the full 90 minutes.
Belgium will be back in action away to France - beaten 3-1 at home by Italy this evening - on Monday night.
