Diplomat Ayalon Kovo runs on Bennett list to fix economic divide

Jerusalem resident Esti Ayalon Kovo is running for the Knesset on the 21st slot of the B'Yachad list. She argues that the economic and social gaps visible in the capital are now spreading across Israel. Ayalon Kovo served as head of Israel's Economic Mission in China before entering politics. She was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel. Her family moved to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood in Jerusalem after her children were accepted to a local school.

Ayalon Kovo states that her move to the city was driven by family needs. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said regarding her life in Jerusalem. She described the neighborhood as special and noted that the city is never boring. Her interest in diplomacy began early in life. She wanted to represent Israel internationally before fully understanding the profession. She later became drawn to the complexity of the field.

The candidate cites her children's future as her primary motivation for running. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she explained. She believes the country requires immediate repair and effective governance. She views Naftali Bennett, who leads the B'Yachad list, as the best candidate to deliver those changes. The list welcomes anyone seeking change after what she described as a difficult few years.

Ayalon Kovo identifies two defining issues for the 2026 campaign. First, she points to a lack of leadership that takes responsibility. She lists the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking as examples of failures resulting from this gap. Second, she emphasizes preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

On the second issue, Ayalon Kovo argues that the haredi state-within-a-state must be dismantled. She refers to the separate systems that have emerged around military enlistment, education, and the workforce. She warns that if these enclaves are not broken up, the troubling trends seen in Jerusalem will spread nationwide. She says these trends are already visible in the capital, where the interests of the powerful haredi community often clash with those of other residents.

Ayalon Kovo also addressed immigrants who wish to influence 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 part in shaping the country. "This is your country. Your home," she added. She suggested that getting involved in elections is a good place to start. The interview took place in Jerusalem before the upcoming elections.