Ethiopian-born Diplomat Challenges National Governance as Jerusalem Crisis Spreads

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a Jerusalem resident and former diplomat, has warned that the specific social and economic pressures currently destabilizing the capital are beginning to appear throughout the rest of Israel. Running in the 21st slot on the B'Yachad list, which is led by Naftali Bennett, she is positioning herself as a candidate focused on urgent national repair ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections.

The candidate, who was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, previously served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. Her professional background in international relations contrasts with her current focus on domestic policy. She notes that her time in the capital has given her a close view of how the interests of the powerful haredi community can clash with the needs of other residents, creating tensions that she believes are now becoming a nationwide pattern.

Her connection to Jerusalem is personal rather than purely political. The family moved to the city because their children were accepted to a local school, leading them to settle in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. Ayalon Kovo describes the area as special and asserts that she could not imagine living anywhere else, noting that life in the city is never boring. This deep personal investment informs her political motivations, as she states that she is entering the race primarily for the future of her children.

She argues that the country requires immediate and serious governance to address basic challenges. In her view, only Bennett can deliver the thorough plans and effective leadership needed to fix the current state of affairs. Her interest in public service began early in life, driven by a desire to represent Israel on the global stage, and later by the complexity of diplomatic work.

When asked about the defining issues of the upcoming campaign, she identified a significant lack of accountable leadership. She attributes a string of recent failures, including the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking, to this void in responsible governance. The second major issue she highlights is the need to preserve Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

A key part of this preservation effort, according to Ayalon Kovo, is dismantling what she describes as a haredi state-within-a-state. She points to existing dynamics in military enlistment, education, and workforce participation as evidence of this separation. If these structures are not broken up, she fears that the troubling economic, educational, and social trends visible in Jerusalem will spread across the entire country.

The candidate also directed a message to olim, or immigrants, who hope to influence Israeli public life. She urged them not to passively watch the country's story unfold, stating, "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold." Instead, she encouraged them to take an active part in shaping the nation, calling it their home and suggesting that getting involved in elections is a good starting point.

Looking ahead, B'Yachad is positioning itself as a vehicle for change and repair following a difficult few years. The party welcomes anyone who seeks this transformation. Ayalon Kovo’s campaign, conducted in an interview in Jerusalem before the elections, reflects a broader push to connect the specific struggles of the capital with the wider national mandate.