Ethiopian-born diplomat: Jerusalem's economic gap is now a national model

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a former head of Israel's Economic Mission in China, contends that the specific economic and social fractures visible in Jerusalem are currently spreading to the rest of the country. Running on the B'Yachad list for the 2026 Knesset elections, she places herself in the 21st position under the leadership of Naftali Bennett. Her central argument is that the dynamics causing tension in the capital are no longer local anomalies.

Ayalon Kovo, who was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, moved to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood in Jerusalem for her children's schooling. She described the city as a place where she could not imagine living elsewhere. Her career in diplomacy began with a desire to represent Israel globally, eventually leading to her role in Beijing. Now, she is shifting that experience toward domestic politics, citing the need for immediate repair and effective governance.

The candidate identifies two defining issues for the upcoming election cycle. First, she points to a leadership vacuum that she believes contributed to recent failures, specifically referencing the events of October 7 and the Flydubai hijacking. Second, she argues for preserving Israel's status as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She asserts that only Bennett can deliver the necessary structural changes to meet these goals.

A key part of her platform involves dismantling what she calls a haredi state-within-a-state. She points to disparities in military enlistment, education, and workforce participation. In her view, if these parallel systems remain intact, the economic and educational trends seen in Jerusalem will become the national norm. She notes that in the capital, the interests of the powerful haredi community often clash with those of other residents, a pattern she sees gaining traction elsewhere.

Ayalon Kovo also addressed the role of immigrants, or olim, in Israeli public life. She urged new arrivals not to observe from the sidelines but to actively shape the country's direction. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. "This is your country. Your home." She suggested that running for office is a practical entry point for those seeking to make an impact.

The B'Yachad list, led by Bennett, has positioned itself as an option for voters seeking change after what Ayalon Kovo described as a difficult past few years. The party is open to individuals who share her view that the country requires thorough plans for its basic challenges. Ayalon Kovo stated that her primary motivation for entering the race is securing a better future for her children, a sentiment she shared during the pre-election interview.