B'Yachad hopeful argues national crisis mirrors Jerusalem's deepening divides

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a former diplomatic official turned political candidate, contends that the structural difficulties plaguing Jerusalem are rapidly becoming a national pattern. Running for a seat in the Knesset, she positions her campaign around the urgent need to reverse what she describes as a growing disconnect between Israel's most populous city and the broader nation.

Kovo appears on the B'Yachad electoral list, which is headed by Naftali Bennett. She occupies the twenty-first slot on the roster as the party prepares for the upcoming 2026 elections. Her candidacy marks a shift from her previous career in foreign affairs, where she served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, she brings a background of international experience to her new role in domestic politics.

The move to Jerusalem was initially motivated by family circumstances rather than political ambition. Her children were accepted to a local school, prompting the family to settle in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. Kovo described the area as special and expressed a strong personal attachment to the city. She noted that life in the capital is never dull, adding that she found it hard to imagine living anywhere else.

Her interest in public service began early in life, driven by a desire to represent her country on the world stage. She later found the multifaceted nature of diplomacy appealing. However, her decision to enter the race is now framed by a personal stake in the future of the next generation. She stated that her primary motivation is securing a better outlook for her children, arguing that the state requires immediate and serious repair. She believes that effective governance and comprehensive planning are essential to addressing the country's fundamental challenges, a task she sees as uniquely suited to Bennett.

Kovo identified two central issues for the current campaign. The first is a deficit of accountable leadership, which she argues has led to a series of significant failures. She cited the events of October 7 and the recent hijacking incident involving a flydubai aircraft as examples of the consequences of this leadership vacuum. The second major issue is the need to maintain Israel's identity as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

In discussing the preservation of the state's character, Kovo focused on the role of the haredi community. She described the emergence of a state-within-a-state structure that has developed around military service, education, and labor participation. She argued that this dynamic must be dismantled to prevent the troubling economic and social trends observed in Jerusalem from spreading across the rest of the country. She believes that if these patterns are not addressed, the capital's challenges will become the norm nationwide.

The candidate also offered guidance to new immigrants who wish to participate in Israeli public life. She encouraged olim to take an active role in shaping the nation's future rather than remaining passive observers. She described running for office as a practical starting point for those who want to make a difference, emphasizing that the country is their home.

Looking ahead, Kovo stated that B'Yachad is open to anyone seeking change and recovery after a period she described as difficult. The interview with the candidate was conducted in Jerusalem as the election period approaches, highlighting her focus on the capital as a microcosm of national issues.