Esti Ayalon Kovo: National Crisis Mirrors Capital's Struggles

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a candidate on the 21st slot of the B'Yachad party list, argues that Israel is currently witnessing a nationwide replication of the specific economic and social challenges long associated with the capital city. As the 2026 Knesset elections approach, Ayalon Kovo is positioning herself as a voice for change, running under the leadership of Naftali Bennett. Her central warning is that the local dynamics of Jerusalem are no longer isolated incidents but are beginning to define the broader national landscape.

Ayalon Kovo brings a unique professional background to the race, having previously served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, she has transitioned from a diplomatic career into active politics. Her perspective is shaped by years of observing the intersection of economic policy and social dynamics, particularly within the complex environment of Jerusalem.

The candidate’s personal connection to the city is rooted in family life. The family moved to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood after her children were accepted into a local school. She describes the area as special and notes that life in Jerusalem is never boring. This personal investment in the city informs her political observations, as she has watched closely how the interests of the powerful Haredi community often clash with those of other residents in the capital.

Ayalon Kovo identifies two defining issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a perceived lack of accountable leadership, which she links to a series of recent failures, including the events of October 7 and the hijacking of a Flydubai aircraft. The second issue is the preservation of Israel's identity as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She believes these structural challenges require immediate and serious repair, along with effective governance and thorough planning for basic state functions.

Central to her platform is the need to dismantle what she describes as a Haredi state-within-a-state. This parallel system has emerged in areas such as military enlistment, education, and workforce participation. Ayalon Kovo argues that if this structure is not broken up, the troubling economic, educational, and social trends visible in Jerusalem will spread throughout the rest of the country. She sees this as a critical task for the next government.

Her motivation for entering politics is deeply personal, driven primarily by the future of her children. She states that she is in the race for them, believing that the country needs urgent attention to its basic challenges. She asserts that only Naftali Bennett can deliver the necessary changes, making his leadership a key component of her campaign message.

Ayalon Kovo also offers specific advice to new immigrants, or olim, who wish to influence public life. She encourages them to take an active role in shaping the country rather than passively observing its history. She describes involvement in elections as a good starting point for those who want to contribute to the nation's direction.

The B'Yachad party is positioning itself as a vehicle for those seeking change and repair after what Ayalon Kovo describes as a difficult few years. She welcomes anyone who shares this desire for renewal. The interview was conducted in Jerusalem prior to the official start of the election campaign, highlighting the capital's role as a focal point for these national debates.