By Abdel-Raouf Arnaut

JERUSALEM

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday said his country had prior knowledge that a German company that manufactures submarines for the navy had Iranian partners, according to a statement issued by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament).

Lieberman reportedly made the remarks during a meeting of the Knesset’s foreign affairs and security committee.

The issue has received intense attention in the Israeli media in recent days.

On Saturday, Knesset member Ofer Shelah called for an official investigation into the matter, but no steps have yet been taken in this regard.

Lieberman went on to justify Israel’s purchase of submarines from the company -- despite the existence of Iranian partners -- by saying the country had "no other alternative".

For decades, Israel-Iran relations have been characterized by deep animosity. Tehran sees Israel as its biggest enemy, while the Jewish state insists Iran must be prevented from achieving a nuclear deterrent.