I have long been hoping that Google will make a version of their Maps site for Israel. I always found it to be extremely useful when trying to visualize a driving route, find directions, etc. But though it is a technology hotspot, there are many other areas in the world that have higher revenue potential (because in the end it is about the money) that Google will invest in before expanding some of their special Local services to the Holy Land (and it is also harder to get things to work in a Right-to-Left language like Hebrew).

However, in the meantime, it looks like another resource is available to fill the niche. Check out the interactive map of Israel on mapa.co.il. It has a number of Google-like featurs, such as a the ability to drag the map around, zoom in very far, and map out directions (though they wont give directions if either of the end-points is within the “Green Line” – not that I can blame them…no one wants liability for giving someone directions that would have them driving right the Ramallah). As always, don’t use this as your sole resource for finding your way to the hospital or a job interview, etc, etc…but this site definitely looks like a keeper.