Diplomat Ayalon Kovo Targets 21st Slot to Stop Economic Fragmentation
The Ethiopian-born former head of Israel’s Economic Mission in China says the economic rifts seen in Jerusalem are now spreading nationwide.
By Luis Fernandez ·
Esti Ayalon Kovo is running for a seat in the Knesset in the 2026 elections. She holds the 21st spot on the B'Yachad list, which is led by Naftali Bennett. Her campaign focuses on reversing what she describes as a growing economic divide within the country.
Ayalon Kovo, who was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel, previously served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. She now lives in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood of Jerusalem. She said she chose to move there after her children were accepted to a local school. She called the neighborhood special and said she could not imagine living anywhere else.
She says the problems facing Jerusalem, particularly clashes between the powerful haredi community and other residents, are becoming a national pattern. She argues that the country needs immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans for basic challenges. She believes only Bennett can deliver those results.
"More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she said. She cited two defining issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a lack of leadership that takes responsibility, which she linked to the failures of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.
On that second point, she stated that the haredi state-within-a-state structure regarding military enlistment, education, and the workforce must be broken up. She warned that if this structure remains, the economic and social trends seen in Jerusalem will spread to the rest of Israel.
Ayalon Kovo also addressed immigrants who hope to influence public life. She urged them to take an active part in shaping the country. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She added, "This is your country. Your home." She described running in elections as a good starting point for involvement.
She said B'Yachad welcomes anyone who wants change after what she described as a difficult past few years. The interview took place in Jerusalem before the elections.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
