Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett added four women — Esti Ayalon Kubo, Olessia Kantor, Bruria Naim Erma and Orly Harel — to B'Yachad's Knesset slate, bringing female representation to 17 candidates ahead of the October 27 election. The party emphasizes the new additions' expertise in diplomacy, social services, community relations and technology. Bennett said the picks were merit‑based reinforcements and reaffirmed a pledge to use state tools to fight violence against women.
Bennett Adds Four Women to B'Yachad Slate, Raising Female Candidates to 17 Ahead of Oct. 27 Election
Naftali Bennet with the new female candidates. (photo credit: B
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday announced the addition of four women to B'Yachad's Knesset slate, bringing the number of female candidates on the list to 17 as the party prepares for the October 27 election.
B'Yachad, led by Bennett, is a central force in the opposition coalition campaigning to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The party said the new appointees expand its expertise across diplomacy, social services, community relations and technology.
New Appointees And Their Backgrounds
Esti Ayalon Kubo — A former head of Israel's economic delegation to China, Kubo brings extensive experience in economic diplomacy and international forums. Born in Ethiopia, she made aliyah with her family and was named in The Jerusalem Post's 2024 list of "50 Most Influential Jews," the party said.
Olessia Kantor — A social entrepreneur who founded the Lev Esh initiative after the October 7 massacre, Kantor focuses on providing therapy for survivors of post-traumatic stress and anxiety. She also established a philanthropic foundation to assist women and children affected by domestic violence.
Chairman of the Yashar Party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during a press conference in the southern Israeli city of Ofakim, June 23, 2026. (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)
Bruria Naim Erma — Currently serving as B'Yachad's director-general, Erma previously held a senior post in the Transportation Ministry. The party describes her as an entrepreneur with a focus on community relations and as having served in leadership roles since the founding of the Together Party.
Orly Harel — Head of B'Yachad's Women's Branch, Harel is a social activist and entrepreneur active in generative AI and medical technology. She was previously involved in the Likud and founded the Likud Women of Jerusalem Forum.
Campaign Message And Context
Announcing the additions, Bennett said his "team for repairing Israel" had received "significant reinforcements," calling the slate a "true Israeli mosaic of top‑notch women of action, each in her own field." He stressed that the selections were merit‑based rather than quota‑driven: a deliberate effort to recruit "the very best people."
'Together, we will fix what's broken,' Bennett added, and reiterated a pledge that an incoming Bennett government would use all available state tools to combat violence against women.
Other prominent women already on the B'Yachad list include former director‑generals Keren Terner (Communications Ministry) and Liran Avisar Ben Horin (Finance and Transportation Ministries). B'Yachad merged with Yesh Atid in April and is expected to include lawmakers from Yesh Atid on its joint list; Yesh Atid MK Meirav Cohen currently chairs the Knesset Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality.
Bennett first became prime minister in 2021 under a rotation agreement with Yair Lapid. As the campaign intensifies, the additions highlight B'Yachad's effort to showcase experienced women from public service, social activism and technology as part of its bid to broaden appeal ahead of the October 27 vote.
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