Slot 21: A Jerusalem resident warns of a national crisis

For residents of Israel, the warning coming from the 21st slot on the B'Yachad list is specific: the problems plaguing Jerusalem are no longer local. Esti Ayalon Kovo, a candidate in the 2026 Knesset elections, claims that the capital's economic and social struggles are beginning to appear in other cities. She runs on the list led by Naftali Bennett, positioning her candidacy as a response to what she describes as a failing national model.

Ayalon Kovo’s political entry follows a career in diplomacy. Born in Ethiopia, she immigrated to Israel and served as the head of the country’s Economic Mission in China. Her family moved to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood in Jerusalem when her children gained acceptance to a local school. She has lived in the city long enough to observe what she calls a clash between the interests of the powerful haredi community and other residents.

The timeline of her campaign focus begins with her observation of these local dynamics. She states that similar patterns are now visible nationwide. Her stated motivation for running is personal. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she said. She argues that Israel requires immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans to address basic challenges.

Ayalon Kovo identifies two defining issues for the current campaign. The first is a lack of leadership that takes responsibility, which she links to specific failures such as the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She argues that the current structure allows a haredi state-within-a-state to persist in areas like military enlistment, education, and the workforce.

She believes this internal state must be broken up. If it is not, she predicts that the troubling economic, educational, and social trends seen in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country. Her candidacy targets voters who desire change after what she describes as a difficult past few years.

The B'Yachad list is scheduled to compete in the upcoming Knesset elections. Ayalon Kovo holds the 21st position on the ballot. She has also addressed immigrants, or olim, who wish to influence Israeli public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said, urging them to take an active part in shaping the country. She described getting involved in elections as a good place to start.

The campaign positions her as a bridge between diplomatic experience and local political action. She remains in Jerusalem, where she says the city is never boring. Her bid relies on the premise that the specific challenges of the capital are a blueprint for national decline if left unaddressed.