21st Slot: Why a Former Diplomat Says Israel Is Mirroring Jerusalem's Crisis

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a candidate for the 21st spot on the B'Yachad list, warns that the specific economic and social struggles currently plaguing Jerusalem are beginning to appear across the rest of Israel. As the 2026 Knesset elections approach, she is positioning herself as a voice for broader national repair under the leadership of Naftali Bennett. Her central argument is that the dynamics creating friction in the capital are now a nationwide phenomenon.

The former head of Israel's Economic Mission in China brings a unique perspective to the race. Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, she transitioned from diplomacy to politics after observing the capital's internal conflicts. She notes that the interests of the powerful haredi community in Jerusalem frequently clash with those of other residents. Ayalon Kovo believes these same tensions are now visible in other parts of the country, suggesting a loss of cohesion that requires immediate attention.

Her personal connection to the city is deep, driven initially by family decisions. Her children were accepted to a school in Jerusalem, leading the family to settle in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. She describes the area as special and states that she could not imagine living anywhere else. This personal history fuels her professional commitment to representing the state's interests both locally and globally.

Ayalon Kovo identifies two defining issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a perceived lack of leadership that takes responsibility for past failures, specifically citing the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is the preservation of Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She argues that effective governance and thorough plans for basic challenges are necessary to address these gaps.

On the topic of state identity, she argues that the haredi state-within-a-state must be dismantled. This separate entity has emerged around military enlistment, education, and workforce participation. If these structures are not broken up, she fears the troubling economic, educational, and social trends observed in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country. She views this consolidation of power as a primary threat to the nation's long-term stability.

Her motivation for entering the race is rooted in her family's future. She states that she is in this for her children, believing the country needs serious repair. She asserts that only Bennett can deliver the necessary changes. Her background in diplomacy began with a childhood wish to represent Israel around the world, a passion that evolved into an appreciation for the complexity of international relations.

The candidate also addresses immigrants, or olim, who wish to influence Israeli public life. She urges them to take an active part in shaping the country rather than watching from the sidelines. She describes getting involved in elections as a good starting point for this engagement. B'Yachad, she adds, would welcome anyone seeking change and repair after what she describes as a difficult few years.

The interview was conducted in Jerusalem ahead of the elections. Ayalon Kovo's message combines her diplomatic experience with her local observations, aiming to bridge the gap between national policy and community reality. Her candidacy highlights the growing concern that local issues in the capital are becoming a template for national challenges.