Area Code 223 – Jerusalem

Overview of Area Code 223 (Jerusalem)

Area code 223 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Palestinian Territories' national numbering plan, designated for the Jerusalem region. It is administered under the country calling code +970, which is assigned to the Palestinian Authority by the ITU. This code is used for fixed-line telephone services (PSTN) within the Palestinian-controlled areas of Jerusalem and its surrounding suburbs. It is important to note that the status of Jerusalem is complex, and the actual applicability of this code may vary depending on the specific locality and the telecommunications infrastructure in place.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 223 area code covers the Palestinian governorate of Jerusalem, which includes both the eastern part of the city and adjacent towns and villages that fall under the Palestinian National Authority's jurisdiction. Key localities served by this code include: Beit Hanina, Shuafat, Al-Ram, Abu Dis, Al-Eizariya, and other Palestinian neighborhoods. The code is used for fixed-line services provided by the incumbent operator, Paltel, and potentially other licensed operators. The administrative jurisdiction is the Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which oversees numbering resources in these areas.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in Jerusalem from within the Palestinian Territories, you must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. The national significant number (NSN) for this area is 8 digits, consisting of the area code (223) and a 5-digit subscriber number. For example, a local number might be 223-45678.

• Domestic call (within Palestinian Territories): Dial 0 223 45678.
• International call from abroad: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 or +), then 970 223 45678.
• International call from a mobile phone: Simply dial +970 223 45678.

When calling from outside the Palestinian Territories, you must drop the leading '0' of the trunk prefix. It is also essential to verify whether the called party is actually served by the 223 code, as some areas may be served by other codes or by Israeli providers (using +972). Overlay codes are not currently in use for this area, so the 223 code remains the sole geographic code for this region.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within the same area code, it is sometimes possible to dial only the 5-digit subscriber number, depending on the operator's local dialing plan. However, for clarity and reliability, it is recommended to always use the full national format. For international callers, ensure you have the correct country code (+970) and be aware that some carriers may route calls to Jerusalem via alternative routes, which could affect call quality or cost. Always confirm the correct number with the recipient to avoid misdialing.