Israel is entering an election period while still fighting a prolonged war on several fronts, Maj. Gen. (res.) Uzi Dayan told NEWSRAEL.

Dayan, a former national security adviser and commander of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, said the election will focus primarily on security rather than economic or social issues. The fighting in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria—and the possibility of a broader war with Iran—will directly influence Israeli voters.

According to Dayan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud must demonstrate strength and success on the battlefield to secure an election victory. He warned that the war is unlikely to end before the election and said Israel must remain prepared for continued fighting across the region.