Knesset Slot 21: Ethiopian-Born Diplomat Enters Race on Bennett's List

Esti Ayalon Kovo, a former diplomat who now lives in Jerusalem's Beit Hakerem neighborhood, is seeking the 21st position on the B'Yachad party list, which is led by Naftali Bennett, ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections.

Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, Ayalon Kovo served as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. Her family relocated to the capital after her children were accepted to a school in the city. She stated that she could not imagine being anywhere else. Regarding her motivation for entering politics, she said, "More than anything, I'm in this for my children," adding that the country requires immediate repair, effective governance, and thorough plans to address basic challenges. She stated that only Bennett can deliver these outcomes.

Ayalon Kovo identified two primary issues for the campaign: a lack of leadership that takes responsibility and the preservation of Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She linked the first issue to a string of failures, including October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. Addressing the second issue, she called for the breaking up of the haredi structures regarding military enlistment, education, and the workforce. She warned that if these structures are not dismantled, the troubling economic, educational, and social trends observed in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country.

Ayalon Kovo began her interest in diplomacy before understanding professional options, driven by a wish to represent Israel around the world, and was later drawn to the complexity of the field. She advised immigrants hoping to influence Israeli public life to take an active part in shaping it, stating, "This is your country. Your home." She described getting involved in elections as a good place to start. She added that B'Yachad would welcome anyone seeking change and repair after what she described as difficult past few years. The interview was conducted by In Jerusalem ahead of the elections.