Iranian Escalation: Israeli Minister Warns of Buildup

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Yuval Steinitz is warning of a massive Iranian military buildup with help from Russia and other countries.
He raised Israeli concerns that Russia will deliver to Iran the S-300 missile defense system, the most sophisticated of its kind in the world.

Steinitz also warned of the growing Iranian influence inside Syria.

"If Syria will become an extension of Iran, this means at the end of the day that we shall see a direct, strong and permanent Iranian naval presence in the Mediterranean ports of Latakia and Tartus. This is dangerous to Israel, the region and I believe also to Europe and NATO," Steinitz said.

Stenitz's comments come one day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Barack Obama in the White House.

He said their meeting addressed upgrading Israel's military to meet the growing dangers in the region.