'Ultimate Mission' tour of Middle East hot-spot

JERUSALEM - It's billed as the "Ultimate Mission" - an eight-day, James Bond-style quest behind the scenes of Israel's conflict with Palestinian militants.

For a little less than US$2000 ($3071) and a tax-free donation to a centre that sues countries and groups it accuses of militant links, participants are promised briefings from Israeli spies, a visit to a West Bank checkpoint, tours of the Lebanese frontlines and trips in light aircraft over northern Israel.

"Experience a dynamic and intensive eight-day exploration of Israel's struggle for survival and security in the Middle East today," reads the promotional material for the tours.

The organiser's website includes highlights such as:

"Inside tour of the Israel Air Force unit that carries out targeted killings.

"Meeting Israel's Arab agents who infiltrate the terrorist groups and provide real-time intelligence.

"Meetings with senior Cabinet ministers and other key policymakers."

The trips are organised by the Israel Law Center, www.israellawcenter.org, which describes itself as a "Jewish legal rights institute". It says it is not affiliated to any branch or agency of the Israeli Government.

Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the 32-year-old lawyer heading the group, said: "We file cases against those who help to fund terrorism or deal in terrorism ... helping the terror victims to fight back against those who ruin their lives."

Darshan-Leitner won't say how much has been raised since she started the tours in 2003, but the next trip, scheduled for November 6-13, will be the 11th.

Each one attracts between 30 and 50 participants, she says, with visitors from the United States, Canada and Europe.

Participation is not restricted to sympathisers with Israel, though most are. There are no meetings with Palestinian officials to present their viewpoint.

Palestinian lawmakers said they were aware of the work of the centre but surprised at its method of raising funds.

"You wonder about the safety and the legality of what they are up to," said a senior member of Fatah, a group that has been the target of some of the Israel Law Center's probes.

As well as the adrenalin-pumping parts of the tour, there are also opportunities to relax, with a moonlight boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee, a cook-out barbecue and a visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall.

"There is simply no comparable way to experience Israel in these trying times," wrote Menashe Frank of Miami, Florida, on the centre's website.

"On a judicial, military, cultural and religious level, the mission delivered every time," added Daryll Mills of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina: "I hope and trust that my country stands by yours in your time of need."

- REUTERS