Jerusalem’s Unraveling Economic Model Now Spreads Nationwide, Candidate Warns
A former diplomat argues that the social and financial fractures seen in the capital are becoming the norm across the entire country as the 2026 election season intensifies.
By Ananya Gupta ·
Esti Ayalon Kovo, a candidate for the 21st position on the B'Yachad list, issued a stark warning this month that the economic and social challenges long associated with Jerusalem are now permeating the rest of Israel. Running under the banner of Naftali Bennett’s party ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections, the former head of Israel’s Economic Mission in China contends that the capital’s specific struggles have become a national blueprint for decline. She identifies the growing divergence between the interests of the powerful haredi community and other residents as a central driver of this trend.
Ayalon Kovo’s political entry is deeply personal, rooted in her family’s relocation to the Beit Hakerem neighborhood. Originally from Ethiopia, she moved to the city because her children were accepted to a local school. She describes the area as special and states she could not imagine living anywhere else. Her early passion for diplomacy stemmed from a desire to represent Israel globally, a interest that later evolved into an appreciation for the field’s complexity. Now, she views her candidacy as a direct effort to secure a stable future for her children through effective governance.
The candidate argues that the country requires immediate, serious repair and thorough planning for its basic challenges. She believes only Bennett can deliver the necessary leadership. Ayalon Kovo points to a lack of accountable leadership as the primary cause of recent national failures, specifically citing the events of October 7 and the flydubai hijacking. She asserts that these incidents highlight a systemic gap in taking responsibility for the nation’s direction.
A second defining issue for the campaign, according to Ayalon Kovo, is preserving Israel’s identity as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. She argues that a distinct haredi state-within-a-state has emerged, particularly in the realms of military enlistment, education, and the workforce. She warns that if this parallel system is not dismantled, the troubling educational and social trends observed in Jerusalem will spread throughout the country, further eroding social cohesion.
In her outreach to immigrants, Ayalon Kovo urged olim to take an active role in shaping Israeli public life. She challenged them not to sit back and watch the nation’s story unfold, emphasizing that the country is their home. She suggested that participating in elections is a vital first step for those seeking to influence policy. Her message is one of active engagement rather than passive observation.
The B'Yachad list is currently welcoming anyone who seeks change and repair following what Ayalon Kovo described as a difficult few years. She positions her campaign as a vehicle for those who want to see immediate action on the ground. The candidate’s background in diplomacy and her residence in Jerusalem provide her with a unique perspective on both international relations and local domestic pressures.
As the election season progresses, Ayalon Kovo’s focus remains on bridging the gap between the capital’s specific problems and the national experience. She believes that addressing the structural issues in Jerusalem will be key to stabilizing the broader Israeli society. Her candidacy reflects a broader trend of candidates leveraging local expertise to address national challenges.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
