At 21, social media star Emily Austin served as a judge at the annual beauty pageant, in between sports reporting gigs and an internship with Gilad Erdan's team in New York

'Thought About That' is Kirel's newest English language song, part of her efforts to garner global attention

The competition, hosted this year in Eilat, was the target of vocal criticism from those who view beauty pageants as outdated, sexist and damaging to young women

Reporter Amy Spiro discusses the Miss Universe pageant in Eilat and Carrie Keller-Lynn looks at 2 Tel Aviv issues: the Givat Amal neighborhood's evacuation, and EV infrastructure

'Tonight we are in the beautiful country of Israel,' host Steve Harvey tells hundreds of millions of viewers in 172 countries who tuned in for live TV broadcast from Eilat

Noa Cochva receives medical treatment and is expected to recover in time to participate in event that kicks off in Eilat early Monday morning Israel time

The 70th pageant will kick off early Monday morning in Israel, despite the Omicron variant's travel hindrances -- and local criticism

Part-protest competition organized by Israel Women's Network awards prizes for social entrepreneurship

Production manager says local team knows 'things need to change,' but suggestion to have contestants go up on stage in sportswear was rejected

With Miss Bahrain making a debut at the competition in Eilat and Miss Morocco returning for the first time since 1978, the beauty pageant showcases new regional ties