Esti Ayalon Kovo runs in 2026 election to break up haredi enclave
The former chief of Israel's Economic Mission in China argues that the social fractures visible in Jerusalem are now spreading across the country.
By Juan Gonzalez ·
Israel is preparing for the 2026 Knesset elections, with candidates vying for seats in the upcoming parliamentary contest.
Esti Ayalon Kovo, an Ethiopian-born diplomat and Jerusalem resident, is running for the 21st slot on the B'Yachad party list. The list is led by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Ayalon Kovo stated that she entered the race primarily to secure a future for her children.
Ayalon Kovo served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China before transitioning to politics. She moved to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood of Jerusalem after her children were accepted to a local school. She described the city as special and never boring, stating, "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."
The candidate argues that the economic and social challenges facing Jerusalem are now appearing nationwide. She cited clashes between the interests of the powerful haredi community and other residents in the capital as a blueprint for a wider crisis. Ayalon Kovo said the country requires immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans for basic challenges.
She identified two defining issues for the campaign. The first is a lack of responsible leadership, which she linked to failures such as the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. Ayalon Kovo said the haredi state-within-a-state regarding military enlistment, education, and the workforce must be broken up to prevent these local trends from spreading.
Ayalon Kovo said she believes Bennett is the only figure who can deliver the necessary change. She also addressed recent immigrants, or olim, urging them to participate actively in public life rather than observing from the sidelines. She stated, "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold." She added that running for office is a good place to start.
B'Yachad has said it will welcome anyone seeking change and repair after what Ayalon Kovo described as difficult past few years. The party is currently campaigning ahead of the national vote.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
