Ethiopian-born diplomat runs for Knesset on B'Yachad list

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a former head of Israel's Economic Mission in China, is running for the 21st slot on the B'Yachad party list in the 2026 Knesset elections. Led by Naftali Bennett, the party is positioned as a vehicle for political repair. Ayalon Kovo, born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, says she is entering the race to address what she describes as a growing national crisis rooted in local patterns.

She argues that the economic and social tensions seen in Jerusalem are now visible nationwide. In the capital, she says, the interests of the powerful haredi community frequently clash with those of other residents. Ayalon Kovo contends that these dynamics are not isolated to the city but represent a wider fracture in Israeli society that requires immediate attention.

The candidate moved to Jerusalem for family reasons, settling in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood after her children were accepted to a local school. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said of the city. She noted that her interest in diplomacy began early in life, driven by a desire to represent Israel internationally. Her professional path led her to China, where she managed economic ties before her return to domestic politics.

Ayalon Kovo cites her children's future as her primary motivation. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she explained. She argued that the country needs effective governance and thorough plans to address its basic challenges. She stated that she believes only Bennett can deliver the necessary repairs, linking his leadership to the party's platform.

Identifying two defining issues of the campaign, Ayalon Kovo pointed to a lack of responsible leadership, which she linked to failures including the October 7 attacks and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She said the haredi state-within-a-state that has emerged around military enlistment, education, and the workforce must be dismantled to prevent further divergence.

If this internal structure is not broken up, she warned, the troubling economic, educational, and social trends observed in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country. She also addressed olim, or new immigrants, encouraging them to take an active part in shaping public life rather than watching from the sidelines. "This is your country. Your home," she said, urging them to run for office.

Ayalon Kovo stated that B'Yachad welcomes anyone seeking change and repair following what she described as difficult recent years. The interview took place in Jerusalem prior to the elections, where she outlined her vision for a more unified and responsive government.