We are pleased to announce that fully Hebrew domain names with the suffix “ישראל.” are now supported by WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in Israel. This change is part of a broader update of the app that includes support for several previously unrecognized domain extensions. This means that typing a “ישראל.” domain directly into a message, for example איגוד-האינטרנט.ישראל, will automatically convert it into a clickable link once the message is sent.
Currently, the update is limited to Android devices, leaving WhatsApp Web and iPhones running iOS out of the loop–for now. While a similar update for WhatsApp Web is on the horizon in the coming months, iPhone users will have to wait, as no timeline has been announced yet.
Until now, on WhatsApp, a Hebrew domain name ending in “ישראל.” would only become a clickable link if preceded by “https://”, complicating the user experience for both the sender and the receiver.
The general integration of IDN (Internationalized Domain Names) and new domain extensions continues to be pursued by various international organizations, led by ICANN’s Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG), which works with major market players to adapt all systems on the network to support these domains.
At the Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL), we are in continuous contact with UASG and recognize that there is still a long road ahead. We will be sure to update you through all of our communication channels as soon as we have new information.
- To learn more about Hebrew domains, visit כולנו.ישראל.
- To learn more about sharing domains on social networks and messaging apps, click here.
References:
[1] According to an Israel Internet Association survey, as of early 2024, 98% of respondents reported using the WhatsApp messaging app. Facebook Messenger took second place with 75%, followed by Telegram with 70%. Link
[2] Globes Brands Index: The leading brand for 2024 – WhatsApp Link
[3] Statcounter: Distribution of operating systems among mobile users in Israel Link