Despite Switzerland dropping points, courtesy of a late Israel equaliser, they return to the top of Group I on goal difference, level on 16 points with Romania.
Akanji, a regular in the Swiss back line, helped his nation dominate the game from kick-off.
Switzerland enjoyed large spells of possession in the opening stages which was rewarded with huge opportunities to take the lead.
Ruben Vargas, Granit Xhaka and Noah Okafor all came close to finding the opening goal inside 23 minutes before the former had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
As the opening 45 minutes progressed it was down to sublime goalkeeping by Omri Glazer whose heroics kept the score level.
But it was Vargas once again who fired the ball home and this time it stood after he headed the ball into the middle of the goal 10 minutes from the interval.
Israel looked to start the second half on the front foot and got the better of the Swiss defence after Anan Khalaili’s header rattled the crossbar.
Akanji and his team mates then looked to steady the ship by holding onto the ball as the second 45 minutes ticked on.
Switzerland continued to test Glazer in between the sticks and were unfortunate not to extend their lead as their shots tally broke double digits.
As the end of the game approached, Israel, however, capitalised on a short bout of possession.
Shon Weissman’s shot was out of reach for Yann Sommer as it nestled into the top right corner two minutes before full-time, catching Akanji and his team mates by surprise.
Within the seven minutes of added time, Akanji was booked by Anthony Taylor for a foul before Switzerland were forced to play the final minutes with 10 men after right-back Edimilson Fernandes was dismissed.
The draw means Akanji’s nation need a win to secure a top two finish and a place at EURO 2024.
They next face Kosovo at 19:45 (UK) on Saturday 18 November.
