Israeli SMS Gateway

Step 1: Validate Israeli Phone Number

Before sending, validate the phone number format:

import re

def validate_israeli_phone(phone: str) -> tuple[bool, str]:
    """Validate and normalize Israeli phone number."""
    # Remove spaces, dashes, parentheses
    clean = re.sub(r'[\s\-\(\)]', '', phone)

    # Handle +972 prefix
    if clean.startswith('+972'):
        clean = '0' + clean[4:]
    elif clean.startswith('972'):
        clean = '0' + clean[3:]

    # Validate mobile: 05X-XXXXXXX (10 digits)
    if re.match(r'^05[0-8]\d{7}$', clean):
        return True, '+972' + clean[1:]

    # Validate landline: 0X-XXXXXXX (9-10 digits)
    if re.match(r'^0[2-9]\d{7,8}$', clean):
        return True, '+972' + clean[1:]

    return False, "Invalid Israeli phone number"

Step 2: Choose Provider

Step 3: Send SMS

SMS4Free Example:

import requests

def send_sms_sms4free(to: str, message: str, api_key: str, sender: str):
    url = "https://www.sms4free.co.il/ApiSMS/SendSMS"
    payload = {
        "key": api_key,
        "user": "username",
        "pass": "password",
        "sender": sender,
        "recipient": to,
        "msg": message
    }
    response = requests.get(url, params=payload)
    return response.text

Step 4: Compliance Checklist

Before sending commercial SMS:

• Recipient opted in (explicit consent)
• Unsubscribe mechanism included (reply STOP / link)
• Not on Robinson List (Do Not Disturb registry)
• Sender ID registered with provider
• Message content complies with Israeli advertising law
• Sending during permitted hours (not Shabbat for religious recipients)

Example 1: Send OTP

User says: "Send a verification code to an Israeli mobile number" Result: Generate 6-digit code, send via SMS provider API, handle delivery confirmation.

Example 2: Format Phone Number

User says: "Convert 054-1234567 to international format" Result: +972541234567

Scripts

• scripts/send_sms.py — Sends SMS messages via Israeli gateway providers (SMS4Free, Twilio, InforUMobile). Supports provider selection, message delivery, and delivery status checking. Accepts credentials via CLI arguments or environment variables (SMS_API_KEY, TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID, etc.). Run: python scripts/send_sms.py --help
• scripts/validate_phone.py — Validates and normalizes Israeli phone numbers from any common format (local 05X, international +972, with/without dashes) to the standard +972XXXXXXXXX international format. Distinguishes mobile from landline numbers. Run: python scripts/validate_phone.py --help

Error: "Message not delivered"

Cause: Various -- invalid number, carrier blocking, quota exceeded Solution: Check number validation, verify API credentials, check provider dashboard for delivery status.

Error: "Sender ID rejected"

Cause: Custom sender IDs require pre-registration in Israel Solution: Register sender ID with your SMS provider. Unregistered IDs default to provider's generic number.