Israel's Essential Services Adapt for Feature Phone Users
Many essential Israeli services are accessible to users of "kosher" feature phones, which lack smartphone capabilities, according to a review by B'hadrei Haredim. These services include receiving government verification codes via voice calls, activating "blue-white" parking by dialing a number, and obtaining access codes for health funds like Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit without needing SMS messages.
The National Identification System explicitly accommodates kosher phone users, offering a voice-based option for verification codes if SMS is not possible. However, initial registration for this service still requires an email address to receive a secondary code.
Health funds have made notable adjustments. Maccabi allows kosher and landline phone users to receive one-time access codes via a phone call. Meuhedet provides access codes through voice messages instead of SMS and allows registration via their service center. Leumit offers a similar voice message option or delivery via updated email addresses. Clalit's "service without a card" option can be activated by dialing a specific number, providing a three-hour validity for clinic and pharmacy services without a magnetic card.
National Insurance Institute services also offer a voice code option for those unable to receive text messages. While the code is delivered to the phone, completing the process requires a computer, meaning kosher phone users still need a PC for online services.
Parking services through "blue-white" allow payment via a phone call in addition to app usage for basic plans. However, advanced features like finding available parking or navigation are app-dependent. Public transportation remains accessible via the Rav-Kav card, which can be topped up at service points, though smartphone users have a more streamlined experience for these actions.
