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

Esti Ayalon Kovo is running for a seat in the Knesset on the 21st slot of the B'Yachad list ahead of the 2026 elections. The party is led by Naftali Bennett. Ayalon Kovo, a Jerusalem resident formerly serving as head of Israel's Economic Mission in China, says the economic and social fractures visible in the capital are now appearing nationwide.

Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, Ayalon Kovo moved to Jerusalem after her children were accepted to a local school. The family settled in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. She describes the city as special and states that it is never boring. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," she said.

Her diplomatic career began with a desire to represent Israel internationally. She was later drawn to the complexity of the field. Now, she says her primary motivation for entering politics is the future of her children. "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," she explained. She argues the country needs immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans for its basic challenges. She believes only Bennett can deliver these outcomes.

Ayalon Kovo identifies two defining issues for the campaign. The first is a lack of leadership that takes responsibility, which she links to failures such as October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. The second issue is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state.

To preserve the state, she says the haredi state-within-a-state must be dismantled. This structure has emerged around military enlistment, education, and the workforce. She warns that if this enclave is not broken up, the troubling economic, educational, and social trends seen in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country.

She also addressed immigrants seeking to influence Israeli public life. "You didn't come here to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold," she said. She urged them to take an active part in shaping the nation, calling it their home. She described getting involved in elections as a good starting point.

B'Yachad will welcome anyone who wants change and repair after the difficult past few years, according to Ayalon Kovo. The interview was conducted in Jerusalem before the elections.