Ayalon Kovo targets B'Yachad slot 21 to reverse economic trends

Twenty-one is the position on the B'Yachad list where Esti Ayalon Kovo will run for the Knesset in 2026. The former head of Israel's Economic Mission in China says she is entering the race because the economic and social fractures she witnessed in Jerusalem are now appearing across the country.

Ayalon Kovo, who was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel, settled in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood of Jerusalem after her children were accepted to a local school. She described the city as special and stated that she could not imagine living anywhere else. Her career in diplomacy began with a desire to represent Israel globally, leading to her role in Beijing before she transitioned to politics.

The candidate argues that the nation faces two defining challenges. The first is a lack of accountable leadership, which she links to the October 7 attacks and the recent flydubai hijacking. The second is the need to preserve Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

A central part of her platform involves dismantling what she calls a haredi state-within-a-state. She noted that conflicts between the interests of the haredi community and other residents are visible in Jerusalem regarding military enlistment, education, and workforce participation. Ayalon Kovo warned that if these dynamics are not addressed, the troubling trends in the capital will spread nationwide.

"More than anything, I'm in this for my children," Ayalon Kovo said. She believes the country requires immediate repair and effective governance. She stated that Naftali Bennett, who leads the B'Yachad list, is the only leader capable of delivering that change.

Ayalon Kovo also addressed new immigrants, urging them to take an active role in shaping Israeli public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She advised that running for office or getting involved in elections is a practical first step for those seeking to influence the country's direction.

The B'Yachad party has welcomed candidates who seek change and repair following a difficult period, according to Ayalon Kovo. Her interview was conducted in Jerusalem prior to the upcoming elections.