Esti Ayalon Kovo: A Jerusalem Mother's Diplomat's Bid to Fix Israel's Fractures

Esti Ayalon Kovo has secured the 21st slot on the B'Yachad party list for the 2026 Knesset elections. Led by Naftali Bennett, the party campaigns on a platform of national repair and effective governance. Ayalon Kovo argues that the specific economic and social fractures observed in Jerusalem are now defining the national political landscape.

Born in Ethiopia, she immigrated to Israel and built a career in diplomacy before entering politics. She served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. Her family moved to Jerusalem after her children gained admission to a local school. They settled in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said of the city, describing it as a place that is never boring.

Ayalon Kovo stated that her interest in diplomacy began with a desire to represent Israel internationally. She later pursued the field for its complexity. Her decision to run for office is personal. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she explained. She contends that the country requires immediate attention to its basic challenges and that Bennett is the only candidate capable of delivering the necessary repairs.

The candidate identified two primary issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a leadership vacuum that she says has led to major failures, specifically citing the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is preserving Israel's identity as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

To achieve that goal, she said the haredi state-within-a-state must be dismantled. This structure has formed around military enlistment, education, and workforce participation. Ayalon Kovo warned that if these dynamics are not addressed, the economic and educational trends currently visible in Jerusalem will expand nationwide. She described the current situation as a crisis that requires thorough planning and serious action.

The candidate also addressed immigrants seeking to enter public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She urged olim to take an active role in shaping the country, noting that this is their home. She described running in elections as a practical starting point for political engagement. B'Yachad has opened its doors to anyone seeking change after a difficult period, according to the interview conducted in Jerusalem.

The party plans to continue its campaign ahead of the 2026 elections. Ayalon Kovo will represent the list at slot 21. The campaign focuses on breaking down existing economic barriers and restoring effective governance to the state.