(TPS) Citing increased security threats, in particular the situation in Syria, Hezbollah’s acquirement of guided missiles and Iran’s military growth and expansionism, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman called Monday for an additional NIS 4.8 billion in military spending over the next three years.

“There have been dramatic changes in the region, that no one predicted,” Liberman told military reporters. “Our primary aim is to prevent the next war and that will only happen if we are active in the ‘war between wars’ and by strengthening our deterrence,” Liberman said.

He also warned that “Iran’s military industries were closing the gap in terms of their technological abilities.”

The defense minister repeated that Israel would not allow Iran to consolidate its presence in Syria.

“We have made it clear to everyone, including the two world powers and regional players that we will not allow Iran to establish a presence in Syria,” Liberman said.