Reigning Miss Israel alleges ‘rigged’ contest as new representative named
American-born Israeli Danielle Yablonka will represent Israel at Miss Universe after organisers cancelled this year’s pageant because of the war
The Miss Israel Organisation has named American-born Israeli Danielle Yablonka as its representative for the 2026 Miss Universe competition, weeks after the reigning titleholder alleged the contest had become “rigged” and disconnected from Israel.
Yablonka was crowned at a ceremony at the FIU Jewish Museum of Florida on Friday after organisers cancelled this year’s Miss Israel pageant, saying the ongoing conflict in the Middle East meant the competition would not take place. Instead, the organisation’s selection committee appointed its representative directly.
Born in Florida, Yablonka made aliyah around two years ago and now lives in Israel. She previously competed in the 2025 Miss Universe Israel competition, where she was named first runner-up. She will now represent Israel at the Miss Universe finals in Puerto Rico.
Announcing the appointment, Miss Israel Organisation president Joseph Shine said: “The Miss Israel Organisation remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of Israeli women.
“While this year’s circumstances required an exceptional process, our commitment to representing Israel on the global stage has never wavered. Danielle Yablonka embodies the values, grace, and determination that define our nation, and we are very proud to have her represent Israel at Miss Universe.”
The announcement comes after Miss Israel 2025 Melanie Shiraz criticised the organisation in comments first reported by The Jerusalem Post, alleging the competition had lost its Israeli identity and warning it risked becoming “rigged”.
She told the newspaper: “I represented Israel during one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history. That’s why it has been deeply upsetting to watch the title become increasingly disconnected from Israel itself.
“A title called Miss Israel should belong to Israelis and give voice to the people whose story it is supposed to tell. If it no longer does, then what exactly does Miss Israel mean anymore?”
According to The Jerusalem Post, Shiraz also raised concerns about the nationality of prospective contestants and the competition’s selection process.
The Miss Israel Organisation rejected the allegations in a statement issued last month, saying it respected “every individual’s right to share their experiences and opinion” but could not allow “demonstrably inaccurate and misleading claims to go unanswered”.
It said it had worked to restore Israel’s presence at Miss Universe since relaunching the competition in 2024 and that Shiraz had received extensive support during her reign, including competition preparation, training, travel arrangements and official representation.
The organisation said later disagreements centred on contractual obligations, organisational policies, public communications and the responsibilities associated with holding the national title.
Despite this year’s pageant being cancelled, Israel will still compete at Miss Universe, with Yablonka representing the country in Puerto Rico later this year.
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