Former China Mission Chief Ayalon Kovo Warns Jerusalem's Economic Fractures Are Spreading

Israeli politics are shifting as veteran diplomats enter the race ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections. Esti Ayalon Kovo, a Jerusalem resident and former head of Israel's Economic Mission in China, has joined the B'Yachad party list in the 21st slot.

Ayalon Kovo argues that the specific economic and social pressures currently affecting Jerusalem are becoming visible across the entire country. She points to conflicts between the powerful haredi community and other residents in the capital as a primary example. In her view, these local dynamics are a preview of national instability if left unaddressed.

The candidate cites two main drivers for her run: a lack of accountable leadership and the need to preserve Israel's identity as a liberal, Zionist, and democratic state. She specifically mentions the October 7 attacks and the flydubai hijacking as failures stemming from leadership gaps. To fix the national picture, she believes the party led by Naftali Bennett is the only viable option for immediate repair.

Ayalon Kovo identifies the haredi state-within-a-state as a critical obstacle. She argues that the current separation in military enlistment, education, and the workforce creates a parallel system. If this structure is not broken up, she warns that the troubling economic and educational trends seen in Jerusalem will spread nationwide. She sees this as a threat to the country's long-term stability.

Her political entry is personal, driven by her children's education and the family's settlement in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said of Jerusalem. She described the city as special and never boring. Her move to the capital followed her children's acceptance to a local school, a decision that anchored her family in the city.

Ayalon Kovo, who was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, urges other immigrants to take an active role in public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She described running in elections as a practical starting point for those who want to shape the country's future rather than just observe it.

The B'Yachad list, led by Bennett, is positioning itself as the vehicle for change after what Ayalon Kovo described as a difficult few years. She said the party welcomes anyone seeking repair and effective governance. The candidate’s platform centers on thorough plans for basic challenges, aiming to restore order and accountability to the state.