Israeli ’spy’ spent time in Australia

ONE of the two suspected Israeli intelligence agents convicted last
night in New Zealand had previously spent time in Australia, police said
today.

New Zealand has suspended high-level contacts with Israel after two
suspected Mossad intelligence agents were convicted of trying to
fraudulently obtain a New Zealand passport.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said she would stop a planned visit by
Israeli President Moshe Katsav in August after the NZ High Court jailed
the two men.

She also said Israeli officials would need visas to enter New Zealand
and foreign ministry contacts would be suspended.

Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty today told Channel 9
one of the men had spent time in Australia, although he was not at
liberty to discuss the case further.

"I am aware that one of the people who was convicted yesterday in New
Zealand had spent some time in Australia," Mr Keelty said.

"I’m not in a position to talk about what the person was doing in
Australia, or what we know of what the person was doing in Australia.

"I think the issue now has become an issue between New Zealand and
Israel and I don’t want to elaborate any further on that."

Mr Keelty said that while he had been aware of the case for some time,
he was unaware of any trans-Tasman investigation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said he regretted the New Zealand
move and expressed hope that the row could be resolved. (AAP)