Rules for the Allocation of Domain Names
Under the Israel Country Code Top Level Domain ("IL ")
Original version: December 1998
Last update: August 2010
Version 1.4
A. Introduction
The Internet Society of Israel ("ISOC-IL"), a non-profit organization whose purpose is to advance the use of Internet in Israel, is the authorized (by IANA) Domain Name Registry ("Registry") of the IL country code Top Level Domain ("ccTLD").
2. A Domain Name is a name registered on the ISOC-IL Registry database and in the global Domain Name System ("DNS"). The allocation of a Domain Name to a holder, grants the holder with a right-of-use for the allocation period, as part of the Domain Name resolution service provided by the Registry. A Domain Name is not subject to proprietary rights and accordingly, the aforementioned right-of-use does not constitute ownership or bestow property rights.
B. Name Space Structure and Syntax Rules
Second Level Domain Names, Allocation of Third Level Domain Names
3.1 Within the IL ccTLD, third level Domain Names ("Registered Domain Name", "3LD") will be allocated within a limited number of second level domains ("SLD") in the following format: <3LD>..IL. For example, in the domain name isoc.org.il, "isoc" is the3LD, and "org" is the SLD.
3.2. Under the following SLDs, domain names will be allocated to any person or other legal entity:
co.il - primarily intended for entities operating for-profit.
.org.il - primarily intended for non-profit entities.
3.3. Under the following SLDs, Domain Names will be allocated on the third or fourth level (depending on the SLD) to the following entities only:
.net.il - Internet Service Providers (ISP) holding a valid Internet Service Provider license from the Israeli Ministry of Communications.
.ac.il - Academic institutions of higher education that have been recognized as such by the Israel Council for Higher Education ("MALAG"). Under this SLD, only Domain Names authorized by MALAG will be allocated.
.gov.il - Governmental entities of the State of Israel. For information relating to registration under this SLD, please refer to the Governmental Internet Committee website at:
http://www.itpolicy.gov.il/registrar/gov_il.htm
.idf.il - Israel Defense Forces entities. Under this SLD, only Domain Names authorized by the IDF Central Computing Facility ("MAMRAM") will be allocated. Applicants seeking allocation under this SLD should contact MAMRAM directly.
.k12.il - for kindergartens and schools as classified by the Israeli Ministry of Education. Allocation under this SLD is made in the fourth level, in the following format:
..K12.IL.
Any deviation from this format is subject to prior approval of the Israeli Ministry of Education.
All provisions in these Rules which apply to Third Level Domain Names, will also apply to Fourth Level Domains registered under this SLD.
.muni.il - for municipal and local government authorities.
Domain Names under this SLD are allocated to municipal authorities within the State of Israel. Allocation of Domain Names under this SLD will be made in accordance with the official "List of Settlements" published by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
In the event of there being more than one entity representing a settlement, only the municipal authority will be allocated a name under this SLD.
Requests for different spelling (only) from the spelling in the official "List of Settlements" may be submitted to the Registry, provided that:
The request is supported by a letter, signed by the head of the municipal authority, which details the desired spelling; and -
There is no prior or pending allocation of a Domain Name spelled according to the official "List of Settlements"; and -
The Domain Name requested only represents a spelling which is different from the formal name of the municipal entity as appearing on the official list.
3.4. ISOC-IL may amend the list of SLDs without prior notice.
3.5. At its sole discretion, ISOC-IL may require evidence to support the Applicant's compliance with requirements for registration of a Domain Name under an SLD specified in Section ?3.3, as condition for the allocation.
Domain Names – Syntax Rules
4.1. Definitions
IDN[1] - a set of standards dealing with Domain Names containing characters used in various national languages. IDN defines a unique translation from a Domain Name comprised of national language characters ("U-Label Form") to a Domain Name comprised exclusively of Latin characters, digits and hyphens ("A-Label Form").
Unicode[2] - an international standard for representation of text in computer systems. The standard defines a set of characters which inter alia, includes all writing systems currently in use in national languages, and maps each character to a numeric code ("Code-Point").
A Code-Point is referenced by a "U+" prefix, followed by a four-hexadecimal-digits number. For example, the code of the Hebrew letter Aleph ("?") is U+05D0.
4.2. Latin Domain Name
A "Latin Domain Name" is a Registered Domain Name meeting all the following requirements:
Permitted Characters
A Latin Domain Name can only be comprised of the following characters:
Latin alphabet characters – Latin small letter "a" to Latin small letter "z" (corresponding to Unicode Code-Points U+0061 to U+007A).
Digits – The digit "0" to the digit "9" (corresponding to Unicode Code-Points U+0030 to U+0039).
Hyphen – The hyphen-minus character "-" (corresponding to Unicode Code-Point U+002D).
Length
A Latin Domain Name must be between 3 and 63 characters long.
Additional Limitations
A Latin Domain Name:
Must not begin or end with a hyphen ("-").
Must not contain two consecutive hyphens ("--"), except for Hebrew Domain Names (hereinafter defined) in the standard A-Label form.
Must not be identical to any existing Top Level Domain name in the global Internet (at the time the application is submitted) and must not be the string "www".
Must comply with the technical requirements of DNS in effect at the time that the application is submitted.
4.3. Hebrew Domain Name
A "Hebrew Domain Name" is a Registered Domain Name meeting all the following requirements:
Permitted Characters
A Hebrew Domain Name can only be comprised of the following characters:
Hebrew alphabet characters – Hebrew letter Aleph "?" to the Hebrew letter Tav "?" including final forms (corresponding to Unicode Code-Points U+05D0 to U+05EA).
Digits – The digit "0" to the digit "9" (corresponding to Unicode Code-Points U+0030 to U+0039).
Hyphen – The hyphen-minus character "-" (corresponding to Unicode Code-Point U+002D).
Length
A Hebrew Domain Name must be no longer than 63 characters, when represented in the standard A-Label Form, and no shorter than 2 characters long when in the U-Label Form.
Additional Limitations
The limitations detailed in Section. ?4.2.c) above, also apply to Hebrew Domain Names.
Additionally, a Hebrew Domain Name must not start with a digit.
4.4. The standard A-Label Form of a Hebrew Domain Name is only a technical phenomena, and has no legal or other significance beyond that. For any matter whatsoever, the Registered Hebrew Domain Name is only the Domain Name in the standard U-Label Form, i.e., the Domain Name in its Hebrew form.
C. Application & Allocation Process
The Application
5.1. Applicant
An application for allocation of a Domain Name may be made by the party who is intended to hold the Domain Name ("Intended Holder" and after the Domain Name is registered is referred to as "Holder") by way of an ISOC-IL Accredited Registrar ("AR"), on behalf of the Holder, or directly (collectively "Applicant").
5.2. Holder's Representations and Warranties
Submission of a Domain Name allocation application by an Applicant, constitutes the Applicant's representation and warranty that the Intended Holder is a legal entity and that the allocation or use of the Domain Name by the Intended Holder does not infringe the legal rights of any other third party. Further, it constitutes the Applicant's consent that ISOC-IL will not bear any liability for the allocation and use of a Domain Name.
5.3. Application Form and Allocation Fees
The allocation process will be initiated by submitting the completed application form to the Registry, according to the procedures determined by the Registry ("Application"). When filing the Application, the Applicant will pay the allocation fees, as amended from time to time. All details appearing in the Application must be full and correct.
5.4. Acceptance of the Rules
These Rules and the procedures thereunder ("Rules") shall bind the Applicant upon submission of the Application and throughout the entire time that the Domain Name is allocated to the Holder. These Rules prevail over any other representations made by ISOC-IL whether prior to, or after such allocation.
Examination
6.1. The Registry will process the Application, examine whether the requested Domain Name meets the criteria set forth in the Rules in force at the time that the Application is submitted, and determine whether the Domain Name is to be allocated.
6.2. The Registry, at its sole discretion may reject any Application that has not been fully and completely completed.
6.3. Examination of Applications will be made on a "first-to-apply, first-served" basis, according to which, the earlier valid and complete Application recorded in the Registry will be examined first.
6.4. The Registry utilizes a "clocking-in" system which records the exact date and time when an Application is received. This system solely determines which Application is the earlier in time.
Bars to Allocation
In addition to the aforementioned syntax rules, ISOC-IL will not allocate the following Domain Names:
7.1. Domain Names which have already been allocated in the Registry.
7.2. Domain Names which do not comply with the Rules in effect at the time that the application is submitted to the Registry, as posted on http://www.isoc.org.il/domains/il-domain-rules.html.
7.3. Domain Names containing obscene words and names incorporating foul language; names that are injurious to public order or to public sensibilities, or names that otherwise do not comply with the laws of the State of Israel.
Conclusion of Examination
8.1. Payment for the allocation fees will only be processed by the Registry upon allocation of the Domain Names which meet the criteria determined in the Rules. The Domain Name will be conditionally allocated, pending payment of the allocation fees. Until payment is fully received by the Registry, the allocation will not be deemed to be complete. Receipt of payment of the allocation fees by the Registry will conclude the allocation process. The conditional allocation may be cancelled any time by the Registry, without prior notice.
8.2. Once examination of the Application is concluded, the Domain Name will be registered to the Intended Holder.
Allocation of a Domain Name is No Guarantee of Lawful Use
The examination of the Application and the allocation of the Domain Name is not a guarantee nor a confirmation that the Domain Name is being lawfully used by the Holder. ISOC-IL, its managers, employees or whomsoever on its behalf shall bear no liability whatsoever due to the Domain Name having been allocated to the Holder.
Duration of the Allocation
10.1. Where the Application is made by way of an AR, the Applicant may request an initial Domain Name allocation period of either one year (12 months) or two years (24 months). Where the Application is made directly through the Registry's website, the initial allocation period is two years (24 months).
10.2. The Domain Name allocation may be renewed as set forth in Section ?16.
Application on behalf of the Holder
11.1. Domain Names are allocated to Holders. If the Applicant is submitting any Application on behalf of the Holder and is not the Holder , the Applicant is exclusively liable to ascertain and ensure that it has all necessary permits, powers of attorney and authority required from the Holder pursuant to any law and/or agreement, for the purpose of filing any Application with the Registry. The filing of the Application to the Registry constitutes the Applicant's warranty that it has all such necessary permits, powers of attorney and authority.
11.2. The Applicant exempts ISOC-IL from any liability in the event of it becoming evident that it did not have all the permits, powers of attorney and authority required to file an Application with the Registry. The Applicant will indemnify ISOC-IL and its managers, employees or whomsoever on its behalf for any damage, payment, loss or expense sustained by any of them as a result thereof. The Applicant is not entitled to any refund from ISOC-IL in respect of any Application filed by the Applicant in the absence of all the necessary permits, powers of attorney and powers.
Active DNS Name Servers Delegation
12.1. Domain Names are allocated with the intention of them being actively used. For an allocated Domain Name, there should be an active delegation to operational primary and secondary DNS Name Servers. Both these Name-Servers should have permanent IP connectivity to the Internet (for queries and zone transfers).
12.2. Where the Domain Name is not delegated to active DNS Name Servers for duration of at-least one year, ISOC-IL is entitled to remove the allocation of the Domain Name.
D. Records and Changes
Submission of Requests to the Registry
13.1. Where an Application for the allocation of a Domain Name is made by way of an AR, all subsequent requests regarding this Domain Name must be made by way of an AR.
13.2. Until the Domain Name is transferred to a new AR (as detailed in Section. ?14 below), all subsequent requests regarding the Domain Name, must be made by way of the AR currently managing the Domain Name ("Managing AR").
Transfer of Management Between ARs
The Holder may transfer the management of a Domain Name allocated to it between ARs at any time. In order to transfer between ARs, the Registry should receive a Transfer request from the AR to which the management is transferred.
Freedom to Re-delegate
Domain Names may be delegated to the servers of any hosting service provider or any DNS names service provider of the Holder's choice. The Domain Names may be re-delegated between providers if the Holder so directs by submission of a Modify application in accordance with provisions of Section ?17. Hosting and DNS service providers may not impede, whether by action or by default, this right of the Holder to re-delegate.
Renewal
16.1. Due Date, Renewal Period and Fees
Where a Domain Name is managed by way of an AR, the allocation period of a Domain Name is renewable for additional allocation periods of one year (12 months), or two years (24 months), at the Holder's choice, counted from the end of the existing allocation period. Where the Domain Name is managed by the Registry, the allocation period is renewable only for additional allocation periods of two years (24 months).
A renewal Application may only be submitted during the last 3 months of the current allocation period.
Renewal of a Domain Name allocation is made to the current Holder.
Renewal of a Domain Name allocation is subject to payment of renewal fees, as amended from time to time.
Renewal application is made through the Managing AR or at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains in the event that the Domain Name is not managed by an AR. The renewal Applicant is to accurately and completely file the renewal application.
16.2. Examination of Renewal Application
No examination of the Domain Name will be conducted in the examination of a renewal application.
The Registry may reject a renewal application that has not been fully and completely completed . Until the renewal fee is fully received by the Registry, the Domain Name will be conditionally renewed, the renewal will not be deemed to be complete and the provisions of Section ?16.3 will apply.
16.3. Failure to Renew
Responsibility for renewal of the Domain Name lies exclusively with the Holder. The Registry will not be responsible, at any time, for notifying the Managing AR or the Holder of the need to renew the Domain Name.
If the Domain Name is not timeously renewed, conditional renewal included, the Registry may cancel the Domain Name allocation and/or disable the Domain Name delegation, without any prior notice. Until final deletion from the Registry by ISOC-IL, the Domain Name will remain allocated.
The Registry will not exercise its discretion to cancel the allocation within 30 days of the end of the current allocation period ("Grace Period"). ISOC-IL has the sole discretion to extend the Grace Period, based on the particular circumstances of each case, but for no longer than an additional 90 days period
During the Grace Period, no application other than a Renewal and/or one Transfer request may be submitted for the Domain Name.
Modification
17.1. Any update to the allocation record of a Domain Name, with the exception of re-assignment of the Domain Name to another Holder or Transfer to a new AR, shall be made by submission of a Modify Application to the Registry.
17.2. Modification will be made through a Managing AR or by submission of a Modify Application at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains where the Domain Name is not managed by an AR.
Re-Assignment
18.1. Re-Assignment of a Domain Name means the change of the allocation from the existing Holder to a new Holder. Re-Assignment is made in a single action comprised of a deletion of the existing registration record and the allocation of a new registration record according to the new allocation details.
18.2. A Domain Name - even if already allocated under prior Rules, cannot be re-assigned if prohibited under Section 7 above.
18.3. Procedure
Re-assignment of a Domain Name to a different Holder will be made by submission of a Re-Assignment Application. Re-assignment will be made through a Managing AR or at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains where the Domain Name is not managed by an AR.
The current Holder is required to authorize the re-assignment of the Domain Name, according to the procedures determined by the Registry from time to time.
The Registry may require evidence of the new Holder's compliance with the requirements for registration of a Domain Name under an SLD specified in Section ?3.3, as a condition for the Re-Assignment.
If the Re-Assignment Application meets the criteria determined in the Rules, payment for the re-assignment will be processed by the Registry. Until payment is fully received by the Registry, the re-assignment will not be deemed to be complete. Receipt of payment of the fees by the Registry will conclude the re-assignment process. The re-assignment may be cancelled due to lack of payment any time after payment is due.
18.4. Re-Assignment Allocation
Upon completion of the re-assignment procedure, the Registry will allocate and record the details of the new Holder to whom the allocated Domain Name has been re-assigned.
Where the re-assignment is made by way of an AR, the allocation of the Domain Name will be for either one year (12 months) or two years (24 months) from the date of the re-assignment, at the new Holder's choice. Where the re-assignment is made directly through the Registry's website, the allocation of the Domain Name will be for two years (24 months) from the date of the re-assignment.
18.5. Binding Effect of Rules on New Holder
The new Holder of the Domain Name (Re-Assignment recipient) is bound by the Rules as and from the submission of the Re-Assignment Application, throughout such time until the Domain Name is allocated to the new Holder.
Deletion
19.1. A Domain Name may be relinquished by the Holder upon submission of a Delete Application. Deletion is made through the Managing AR or at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains where the Domain Name is not managed by an AR.
19.2. The Holder is required to authorize the deletion of the Domain Name, according to procedures determined by the Registry from time to time.
19.3. There will be no refund of allocation, re-assignment or renewal fees for any 'time remaining' on the allocation.
Cancellation and Reversion Authority
20.1. Non-Payment
Non-payment of any of the fees specified in these Rules, including allocation, renewal or re-assignment fees, might lead to the removal of the Domain Name from the Registry. Following such removal, the Domain Name may be allocated to any interested party, in accordance to these Rules.
20.2. Exceptional Circumstances
ISOC-IL may cancel an allocation of a Domain Name to the Holder in the following circumstances:
Where to maintain the allocation would place ISOC-IL in conflict with statutory obligations, the terms of an Israeli court order or of another competent tribunal, including a decision by an arbitrator.
Upon the decision by an IL-DRP Panelist or Panel (Section. ?24.3?24.3 below).
ISOC-IL will not re-allocate a Domain Name which allocation was unilaterally cancelled by ISOC-IL in accordance with Section ?20.1 , for a period of 30 days from such cancellation.
E. Registry Information and its updating
Displaying Registry information on Domain Names ("WHOIS")
21.1. Information about a Domain Name, its Holder and its registered Contacts (Administrative, Technical and Zone), as well as information about the DNS Name servers and the Managing AR will be made available for public display and searching in the WHOIS database at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains/whois.html (and services derived therefrom). The Information displayed by the Registry will as-submitted by the Applicant.
21.2. The Applicant authorizes the Registry to make available to the public, all the information specified above, as submitted to the Registry.
Updated Information
22.1. The Holder and the Managing AR are obliged to notify the Registry, by submission of a Modify Application, of any changes in the information provided.
22.2. By submitting an Application to the Registry, the Applicant warrants that the Holder is a legal entity and that all information provided to the Registry is true and accurate. Any inaccurate information or misrepresentation may be grounds for rejection of the Application or cancellation of the allocation, as set forth in these Rules.
F. Dispute Resolution and the IL-DRP
ISOC-IL is not a party to disputes related to the holding rights in a Domain Name allocated or re-assigned to a Holder.
ISOC-IL Not Arbiter of Disputes
24.1. ISOC-IL cannot act as an arbiter of disputes arising out of the allocation and use of a Domain Name. Any dispute between parties over the allocation and use of a Domain Name, should be resolved between the parties themselves.
24.2. ISOC-IL will not become involved in disputes regarding the allocation and use of a Domain Name, and will make no determinations with regard the respective rights between the Holder or any third-party.
24.3. As a service to the public and the Internet Community, ISOC-IL has established the IL-DRP - an alternative expedited dispute resolution mechanism regarding the allocation of Domain Names. The procedures and rules regarding dispute resolution under the IL-DRP are available at http://www.isoc.org.il/domains/ildrp_rules.html, and are an integral part of these Rules.
24.4. Holder irrevocably agrees to submit to a procedure and a decision made under the IL-DRP. This section does not abrogate of any individual's right to appeal to any competent judicial authority for resolving disputes regarding a Domain Name allocation.
24.5. Section F does not apply to Domain Names allocated under the Rules in force prior to January 1, 1999, unless the Holder so agrees.
G. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
Limitation of Liability
25.1. The Domain Name registration services, as detailed in these Rules (the "Services"), are provided by ISOC-IL as-is. Applicant shall have no claim or demand against ISOC-IL with respect to the quality, capability or limitations of the Services, nor in respect of any specific needs or requirements not being met by the Services.
25.2. ISOC-IL does not guarantee the Services to be error-free and immune from any damages or malfunctions - including malfunctions of hardware, software or communication lines – whether at ISOC-IL, any of its suppliers or any AR who provided such Services or any part thereof,
25.3. ISOC-IL shall bear no responsibility for any damage occurred by the examination of an Application specified in these Rules and/or for any action or omission it made according to these Rules and any procedure, unless such damage was a result of gross negligence or malice by ISOC-IL or anyone on its behalf. In such case, ISOC-IL's liability is limited to the sums actually paid to ISOC-IL by the Applicant.
25.4. ISOC-IL cannot guarantee absolute immunity to computer break-ins, attempts to break-ins, information disclosure or interference with the operation of ISOC-IL's computer systems. The Applicant shall have no claim or demand against ISOC-IL, where, despite ISOC-IL's security measures, a third party succeeds in obtaining information, including information gathered about the Applicant, or the misuse of such information.
25.5. ISOC-IL bears no liability for any third parties' use of information given in relation to the Services and which is published in ISOC-IL WHOIS service
25.6. ISOC-IL bears no liability for any act or omission of an AR with regard to registration of Domain Names or the management thereof.
25.7. ISOC-IL bears no liability for any third party claim or demand against an Applicant on infringement of rights due to the allocation of a Domain Name and/or the taking of any action in regard to any Domain Name – including the results of any legal proceedings in regard thereto, whether held in Israel or outside Israel, whether by arbitration or quasi-arbitration procedures as appearing in the IL-DRP dispute resolution procedure, hereunder.
25.8. ISOC-IL bears no liability for any damage, loss, payment or expenditure which shall be sustained by the Applicant due to the Services, including indirect or collateral damage.
25.9. Any exemption under this section shall also apply to any of ISOC-IL's employees, managers, consultants or whomsoever on ISOC-IL's behalf.
25.10. ISOC-IL is merely the facilitator in establishing the IL-DRP and except in respect of deliberate wrongdoing, any member of ISOC-IL, shall not be liable to whomsoever for any act or omission in connection with any Application or proceedings under these Rules.
25.11. Except in respect of deliberate wrongdoing, any IL-DRP Panelist or any member of an IL-DRP Panel constituted under these Rules, shall not be liable to whomsoever for any act or omission in connection with any proceedings under these Rules.
Indemnification
Holder, or any third party, disputing the allocation or any other action with a Domain Name, undertakes to indemnify ISOC-IL and its servants, agents, contractors, employees, Council of Management and members (hereunder "ISOC-IL") and the IL-DRP Panelists and shall hold ISOC-IL and the IL-DRP panelists harmless from and against any loss, damage, liability, claim or expense resulting from:
26.1. Any claim regarding allocation of, or right of use in, the Domain Name in question; or
26.2. Any loss, claim, action or other damage arising from any allocation, cancellation, removal, publication, use or denial of use of any Domain Name; or
26.3. Any claim or expense resulting from a claim or claims asserted by a third party regarding allocation of, or right to use, the Domain Name in question; or
26.4. Any breach of these Rules.
H. General
Modification of Rules
These Rules, including the procedures and fees thereunder, may be amended or modified from time to time by ISOC-IL. All amendments and modifications will be available at ISOC-IL's website. ISOC-IL shall not be obligated to review existing allocations as the Rules are modified or amended.
Notices
Notices sent by the Registry to the Applicant or to any registered Contact may be sent by registered mail, facsimile or email according to the Registry's sole discretion and in relation to the information submitted by the Holder. A notice sent by registered mail will be deemed delivered (3) days after dispatch. Any notice sent by e-mail or facsimile will be deemed delivered on the next business day following dispatch.
Notices to the Registry may be sent only by e-mail, to info-domains@isoc.org.il and will be deemed delivered on the next business day following dispatch, if a confirmation e-mail was received from the Registry.
Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Rules, any procedures thereunder and the Services provided by ISOC-IL shall be exclusively governed by Israeli Law. The competent courts of in the Tel Aviv-Yaffo and Merkaz districts shall have exclusive Jurisdiction regarding any matter originating from these Rules.
Governing Language
The English version of the Rules is the official version. Where translation of the Rules is also published in other languages, including Hebrew, and when there are any discrepancies between the translated version and the English version, the English version shall prevail.