Hum, you may check the label on the router to see whether it is printed as EU or anything else, just noticed the those firmware on the website shows EU version

WileCoyote wrote

already tried 160512 - same results
this router was bought from a store in Israel, not from any ISP

I read on DD-WRT that Israel has it's own Firmware? DD_WRT has a FW that will install I read and they hint that once on the DD-WRT FW that you can then Flash ANY Factory FW back over it. From whatI have read over ther the Factory FW is stil the best for most people, but do your own research and ask on DD-WRT , as you do this at your own Risk.... I am not an expert on DD_WRT ...just use it on an old WRT54GL to make it a Repeater to the C7.

https://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=998919&sid=9bd1c67b9e96384f914718a843aa2ea4

I too bought Archer C7 V2 in Israel retail store. My bios is from 2015.
marked on the label C7 (EU) V2.

Was advised by Benda (isr importer) to try the EU FW version .i.e.; C7 (EU) V2.
NO LUCK.

I understand FW are locked, ok, no problem, but what about updates???
not able to update ANY FW what-so-ever, no firm reply from tp-link.

As I needed a new router for my office, I gave up and purchased a new 3 band, Netgear router instead.

I guess Israel must have some special Legal requirement for TP to produce a FW just for Israel , Some FW are not downgradable according to TP but so far the Beta FW I have tried ( 17 and 18 ) have been.

If you still have the C7 , it might be worth trying the DD-WRT FW ( link above ) and then write over it to the EU 17 or 18 Beta FW? perhaps ask some questions over on DD-WRT forums 1st , a Working router is still better than a Brick :)

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?104053-Archer-C7-V2-Request-for-Firmware-Update&p=233658&viewfull=1#post233658