Amazon Enters Israeli Market with a Bang

For years the Chinese company Alibaba has dominated the e-commerce market in Israel but that appears to be changing. Just prior to the Jewish High holidays Amazon launched its Israeli site and shipping to Israel. Now, in an additional move Amazon has launched its long awaited Hebrew online interface as well as free shipping options to Israel. Alongside the Hebrew language interface and shipping to Israel Amazon added the ability to pay in New Israeli Shekels.

In a surprise move the e-commerce Goliath announced it would ship certain products in Israel for free if the purchase is over 49 USD. There are a few thousand products that fall under this special deal and each one is clearly marker “Free Shipping to Israel”. Last and even more impressive is that Amazon launched a customer service option in Hebrew. This option will allow customers to feel comfortable purchasing products knowing that any issues that may arise can easily be solved in their native language.

An unexpected benefit of Amazon’s recent moves is the accessibility it provides to Hebrew speakers abroad to easily purchase Israeli products. This unforeseen benefit may allow Israeli’s living outside their homeland to remain connected to Israel.

It will be interesting to see how Amazon fairs in the Israeli market with its new interface and various initiatives that are meant to make online commerce easier for the residents of Israel. This may only be the beginning of Amazon’s expansion into the Israeli e-commerce market. It will be interesting to watch the company’s moves in the coming months and years in the region.