Israel Electronic Signature Compliance Explanation

Are electronic signatures legal in Israel? What laws primarily regulate electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures are legal in Israel, and Israeli electronic signatures are primarily regulated by the Electronic Signature Law of 2001 (hereinafter referred to as “ESL”), Electronic Signature Regulations (Secure Electronic Signatures, Hardware and Software Systems, and Application Testing), and Electronic Signature Regulations (Registered Approval Bodies and Management).

What types of electronic signatures are recognized in Israel? What are the requirements for each?

Israel recognizes three types of electronic signatures, namely electronic signatures, secure electronic signatures, and certified electronic signatures.

1. Electronic Signature

   Refers to electronic data or electronic identifiers attached to or associated with electronic information.

   Default eSignGlobal electronic signatures can meet Israel’s requirements for electronic signatures

2. Secure Electronic Signature

   Refers to electronic signatures that meet all of the following requirements:

   • The signature is the exclusive identifier of the signatory device owner;
   • Can clearly identify the identity of the signatory device owner;
   • Generated using a device solely controlled by the signatory device owner;
   • Can trace and verify any changes to the electronic message after signing.

   3. Certified Electronic Signature

   Supported by electronic certificates from recognized certification service providers or certificate authorities (CA).

   Signatures provided by eSignGlobal after integrating local trusted service providers can meet Israel’s requirements for certified electronic signatures

In Israel, which scenarios do not have special requirements for the type of electronic signature?

• Human resources
• Procurement
• Company resolutions (but must comply with the company’s charter documents and the rights and authorization of the signatory)
• Confidentiality agreements
• Software licenses
• Healthcare
• Loans
• Involving movable property
• Insurance
• Education
• Life sciences
• High technology
• Documents to be recorded
• Consumer transactions

In Israel, which scenarios require more advanced electronic signatures?

• Certain bank documents
• Real estate
• Documents requiring notarization or Hague certification
• Certain government documents

In Israel, which scenarios require the use of traditional signatures?

• Handwritten wills
• Israeli courts do not accept affidavits signed in any electronic signature manner
• Certain transfer and land registration requests, powers of attorney, and agreements between banks and their customers