Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Friday that he will consider mediating between New Zealand and Israel which are involved in a spy dispute.

New Zealand has jailed two Israelis allegedly working for Israeli intelligence service for fraudulently obtaining passports.It also announced sanctions on Israel.

Howard told local radio 3AW that he will think about helping New Zealand and Israel restore their relations.

"But I don't want to look as though I'm interfering in other people's affairs," he added.

The prime minister said he has good relations with leaders of both New Zealand and Israel and he feels sorry the spy row has happened between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua