While US intelligence systems are frantically searching for Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, it seems he might be within the borders of none other than Washington's closest Middle East ally - Israel.
According to official records, cited by the Tel Aviv-based Maariv newspaper, a man named Osama bin Laden entered Israel from Jordan on September 14, 2002, exactly one year and three days after the series of coordinated suicide attacks on the US which were claimed by Al Qaeda network.
According to the Israeli paper, Osama bin Laden was identified by monitors at the Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossing as an Afghan citizen. He was allowed to enter Israel with a two month tourist visa.
However, his departure from Israel was never recorded, and Maariv reported that Israeli security forces have been searching for him ever since. In addition, according to Israeli reports, another man named Osama bin Laden tried to enter the country in January 2005 as well. This time, Israeli authorities rejected entry of the man, who held Iraqi citizenship.
Osama bin Laden currently tops the US government's most wanted list.
The US Department of State is offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of the Al Qaeda leader. An additional $2 million is being offered through a program developed and funded by the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association due to the 9/11 attacks.
Israeli records indicate that in 2005, some 45 Saudi citizens and 78 Iraqis were allowed to enter Israel for medical and "security" reasons.
