A virtual number lets your business send SMS from a real Israeli number and receive the replies. With Global SMS you rent a number with no commitment period. Every reply is logged in your account, where you can chat with the sender, export replies to Excel or forward them to your CRM.
At a glance
- What you get
- A dedicated Israeli number for sending SMS and receiving replies.
- Where replies go
- Replies table, two-way chat, Excel export, webhook to your CRM, and the Global Desk inbox.
- Automation
- SMS keywords trigger actions such as sending a coupon or registering for an event. One keyword included.
- Commitment
- None. Rent the number for as long as you need it.
How a virtual number works
- Rent a number through your Global SMS account.
- Send campaigns or one-to-one messages from that number, via the dashboard or the SMS API.
- Recipients reply as they would to any text message.
- Replies arrive in your account and in any system you connect.
Ways to handle replies
- Two-way chat: reply to each person in a WhatsApp-like chat view.
- Replies table: see all incoming messages online and export them to Excel.
- Webhook to your system: incoming messages are pushed to a URL you choose, so replies become leads or tickets in your CRM.
- Global Desk: one inbox for SMS and WhatsApp conversations, with tags, notes and tasks. See Global Desk.
SMS keywords
A keyword is a word that triggers an automatic action when someone texts it to your number. For example, a customer texts COUPON and immediately receives a discount code. Common uses:
- Sending a coupon to everyone who texts a word from a sign or an ad.
- Joining a mailing list or customer club by SMS.
- Registering for an event or confirming attendance.
- Running a quick survey or vote.
One keyword is included at no extra charge, using a number provided by our support team.
Use cases
- RSVPs for weddings, conferences and events – guests reply with the number of attendees.
- Appointment confirmations – customers reply to confirm or cancel. See appointment reminder SMS.
- Lead generation – replies to a campaign go straight to sales.
- Customer support by text – customers who prefer SMS get answers in the same thread.
- Surveys and feedback after a purchase or a visit.
Virtual number, sender name or short code?
| Sender type | Recipient sees | Can recipients reply? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphanumeric sender ID | Your brand, e.g. MyBrand | No | OTP codes, notifications, one-way campaigns |
| Virtual number | An Israeli phone number | Yes, to your account | RSVPs, surveys, support, keywords |
| Your own mobile or landline | Your existing number | Replies go to that phone | Small businesses that answer from one phone |
| Short code | A short number | Yes | Services arranged through mobile carriers |
For most businesses that need replies in Israel, a virtual number does the job of a short code: people can text it, keywords work on it, and replies reach your systems. It is quicker to set up and has no commitment period.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Israeli virtual number for SMS?
It is an Israeli phone number rented by a business to send SMS and receive replies. With Global SMS, replies are logged in your account and can be answered in a chat view, exported to Excel or forwarded to a CRM.
Is there a commitment period?
No. Global SMS rents virtual numbers with no commitment period.
Can replies be sent to my CRM?
Yes. Incoming messages can be forwarded to your system by webhook, so each reply can become a lead or a ticket.
What are SMS keywords?
Keywords are words that trigger an automatic action when someone texts them to your number, such as sending a coupon or registering for an event. One keyword is included at no extra charge.
Do I need a short code to receive SMS in Israel?
Usually not. A virtual number lets customers text you, supports keywords and forwards replies to your systems, with a faster setup and no commitment period.
Is this a service for receiving one-time verification SMS?
No. Global SMS virtual numbers are a business service for two-way messaging with your own customers, not a public number for receiving verification codes from other websites.
Related pages
Last updated: November 3, 2026 · Global SMS Ltd., Haifa, Israel