Meta AI Launches WhatsApp Chatbot in Israel with Free Multimedia Features

Meta has officially introduced its AI chatbot, Meta AI, to users in Israel, arriving significantly later than in other countries. The AI assistant is now integrated into WhatsApp as a permanent button on the chat screen, allowing users to interact with the bot in Hebrew, request image and video creation, and receive assistance directly within the app. This feature complements Meta AI’s availability through a dedicated app and the meta.ai website for Facebook and Instagram users in Israel.

Unlike many competitors, Meta AI is currently free to use without restrictions on media creation, such as generating images or short videos with music. Users can also edit images using AI tools and engage in multi-modal interactions, including sending pictures for the AI to analyze and explain. The WhatsApp integration treats Meta AI as a contact, though the fixed button can obscure chats and cannot be moved.

To access Meta AI via the app or browser, users must log in with their Facebook or Instagram accounts. While Meta recently launched premium subscription plans for Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta AI remains free with no paid tiers. After initial login, users can quickly access the chatbot from Facebook’s interface.

Meta AI is based on the Muse Spark model, Meta’s advanced multi-modal reasoning AI designed for fast, complex responses across text, images, and other content types. The model draws on user-generated content and recommendations from Meta’s platforms rather than relying solely on web search results. This launch is part of Meta’s broader goal to develop a personal superintelligence assistant that understands and supports users in daily tasks beyond simple Q&A.

The rollout follows earlier sightings of Meta AI elements in WhatsApp in Israel earlier this year, which did not lead to active service until now. Users can also connect Google apps to Meta AI and explore AI-generated short videos in the VIBES tab on the web interface. Although Meta AI supports voice conversations via Meta’s smart glasses and WhatsApp voice messages, it currently performs better in English than Hebrew.