And stores in Israel have been selling out of Mossad T-shirts and other memorabilia.

All this follows in the wake of fingers pointed at Mossad by much of the world over the assassination of terrorist Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in a Dubai hotel room.

Israel steadfastly refuses to confirm or deny any involvement in the killing - despite Dubai's certainty that Mossad responsible.

The result is an outpouring of pride in the spy agency on the streets of Israel. The popularity of Mossad director Meir Dagan has soared - as the Jewish Telegraph reported last week.

We also disclosed that sales of Mossad-themed T-shirts had risen tenfold since the Israeli spy agency was linked to the January assassination.

And opticians have reported a rise in sales of the horn-rimmed glasses in the style worn by 14 of the 26 suspects.

"Mossad has been restored to its glory days," said Ilan Mizrahi, a former deputy director of the agency, which is located just outside the resort of Herzliya.

And Eran Davidov, marketing manager of a top mail order company selling Israeli-made products, said they have been overwhelmed by demand since they launching a special "Show off your Mossad and Israeli pride" campaign.

A 21-year-old who gives his name only as Elad told the website Ynet that he filed a job application this week after dreaming of joining Mossad for years.

"I ran to a computer and applied for a job," he said. "I've always had a dream to work for the Mossad. It's obvious why - it's exciting, dangerous and special.

"Nobody really knows what people do there, and now I suddenly understand how it works. It's cool. I hope they accept me. I think I have all the required skills."

Mossad has advertised no new jobs for six months. But now its website proclaims: "You have an opportunity to create a new reality where you can play the leading role.

"If you possess intelligence and sophistication, you can make a difference and fulfill a national mission.

"If you can engage, charm and influence people, you may have the qualities we are looking for."

Mossad says candidates must hold an academic degree and good command of at least two languages. Preference is given to people "with experience abroad and an ability to begin work immediately".

If the reports by Dubai police are correct, the assassination and surveillance team of nearly 30 agents so far exposed would represent a sizeable number of Mossad agents who would no longer be able to engage in covert espionage.

Photographs of the alleged assassins have been published across the world and studied by a number of governments.

Despite the diplomatic fallout abroad, the story is getting positive reviews at home. Former Israeli diplomat Avi Pazner said: "It's a very sexy story, of course. You know all those cloak-and-dagger stories are extremely sexy."

He added: "Nobody can accuse Israel of any wrongdoing because we don't know if the Mossad did it or didn't do it."

Israeli army or T-shirts with pro-Israel slogans have been popular for years among Jewish tourists visiting Israel.

Ironically, they are often purchased from Palestinian merchants in the winding alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City.

And the most popular costume on the streets of Israel during Purim, when it is customary to dress up?

You've guessed it - a Mossad spy!