Ayalon Kovo: Jerusalem's economic split signals nationwide risk

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a former diplomat who headed Israel's Economic Mission in China, contends that the structural friction currently visible in Jerusalem is spreading to the rest of Israel. She runs in the 21st slot on the B'Yachad list, which is led by Naftali Bennett, for the 2026 Knesset elections.

Kovo, who was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, identifies two primary failures in the current political landscape. She cites a lack of accountable leadership that allowed for the October 7 attacks and the flydubai hijacking. Her second concern is the preservation of Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

She argues that a haredi state-within-a-state has developed around military enlistment, education, and the workforce. Kovo states that if these separate structures are not dismantled, the economic, educational, and social trends observed in Jerusalem will become the national norm. She describes the current situation in the capital as a preview of what may happen countrywide.

The candidate's move to Jerusalem was driven by her children's acceptance to a local school. The family settled in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood, which Kovo describes as special and never boring. She states that her decision to enter politics is motivated by her children's future. She says the country needs immediate repair and effective governance, and she believes Bennett is the only figure who can provide it.

Kovo also addresses immigrants, or olim, who wish to influence Israeli public life. She urges them to take an active role rather than observing from the sidelines. She describes running for office as a starting point for shaping the country's direction. She adds that B'Yachad welcomes individuals seeking change after what she characterizes as difficult recent years.

Her diplomatic career began with a desire to represent Israel abroad. She was later drawn to the complexity of the field. The interview took place in Jerusalem prior to the election campaign's peak.