Connecting flight in Tel Aviv

Has anyone connected through Tel Aviv? One of my backup plans out of Istanbul is Turkish air to Tel Aviv then 4-6 hour layover to catch either US Airways or Delta back to the US.

Would you stay in the secured area in the neccessary terminal or exit airport and do the normal check in procedure?

I guess this question would work for any connecting airport. Would it be exit plane, go through customs then back into terminal to wait for connecting flight at the gate?

I read on delta's visa/passport section for connecting in Israel that connecting airline needs to escort you though the airport. How would that work if you are not sure what airline you would take?

The only airport I have connected through was NRT and all 3 times was flying in/out on same airline and waited at the gate for a seat assignment.

Tony