Jerusalem's economic gap signals national crisis, B'Yachad candidate says

Esti Ayalon Kovo is running in the 21st slot on the B'Yachad list for the 2026 Knesset elections. She argues that the economic and social strains currently affecting Jerusalem are becoming a national model for the rest of Israel.

Ayalon Kovo, a Jerusalem resident who previously served as head of Israel's Economic Mission in China, says she has watched the capital face specific challenges. These include clashes between the interests of the haredi community and other residents. She believes similar dynamics are now visible across the country.

The candidate, who was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, settled in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood with her family. She said her children were accepted to a local school, prompting the move. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said of Jerusalem. She added that the city is never boring.

Ayalon Kovo identified two defining issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a lack of leadership that takes responsibility, which she linked to recent failures including October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She stated that the haredi state-within-a-state regarding military enlistment, education, and the workforce must be broken up. If it remains intact, she fears the troubling trends seen in Jerusalem will spread nationwide.

She said her primary motivation for entering the race is her children's future. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she explained. She argued that the country needs immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans for its basic challenges. She believes only Naftali Bennett, the leader of the B'Yachad list, can deliver that.

Ayalon Kovo also addressed immigrants hoping to influence Israeli public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She urged them to take an active part in shaping the country. "This is your country. Your home." She described getting involved in elections as a good starting point.

The B'Yachad party is set to compete in the upcoming elections. Ayalon Kovo added that the party would welcome anyone who wants change and repair after the difficult past few years. The interview was conducted before the elections.