Political Shift: B'Yachad Candidate Warns of Nationwide Crisis

A new candidate on the B'Yachad party list is warning that Israel is on the verge of a nationwide crisis. Esti Ayalon Kovo, who is running in the 21st slot on the party list led by Naftali Bennett, argues that the specific problems plaguing Jerusalem are now becoming visible across the entire country. She sees a pattern of economic and social strain that is moving beyond the capital.

Ayalon Kovo is a Jerusalem resident with a background in diplomacy. She was born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel. Her professional career included serving as the head of Israel's Economic Mission in China. She says she has closely watched how the capital has struggled with internal conflicts. Specifically, she points to situations where the interests of the powerful haredi community clash with those of other residents.

Her family moved to the capital for personal reasons. Her children were accepted to a school in the city, which led the family to settle in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. She describes the area as special and says she could not imagine living anywhere else. She notes that life in Jerusalem is never boring, a sentiment that reflects her deep connection to the city.

Her entry into politics is driven by a desire to secure her children's future. She states that the country needs immediate and serious repair. She argues for effective governance and thorough plans to address basic national challenges. She believes that only Naftali Bennett can deliver these necessary changes. Her motivation is personal, but she frames it as a broader necessity for the state.

She identifies two defining issues for the upcoming campaign. The first is a lack of leadership that takes responsibility. She argues this failure has led to significant events, including October 7 and the hijacking of a flydubai aircraft. The second issue is preserving Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She believes these two areas require urgent attention from the new government.

Ayalon Kovo is particularly concerned about the haredi community's influence. She describes a state-within-a-state that has emerged around military enlistment, education, and the workforce. She argues this structure must be broken up. If it remains intact, she fears the troubling economic, educational, and social trends seen in Jerusalem will spread throughout the rest of the country. She sees this as a critical threat to national cohesion.

She also offers advice to immigrants who wish to influence public life. She urges them not to sit back and watch Israel's story unfold. She tells them that this is their country and their home. She suggests that getting involved in elections is a good place to start. She believes B'Yachad would welcome anyone who wants to bring about change and repair after what she describes as a difficult few years.