Eilat’s acting mayor, Eli Lankri, said the sea-side city was “ready and willing” to host the event, while Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov praised the “iconic” pageant for its celebration of “women’s empowerment, optimism, tolerance and desire for excellence.”
Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza is set to travel to Israel this summer as she prepares to give up her crown during December’s televised show to be hosted by US entertainer Steve Harvey.
Winning her title during the pandemic had made her “reign unforgettable,” the former software engineer said.
She said she hoped “the world takes the vaccine as soon as it is available so that, come December, as many people as possible can join the 70th anniversary celebration in Israel.”
The announcement comes after Israeli's tally of new coronavirus cases jumped to 1,372 on Monday, though official figures also captured a slight dip in the number of serious cases.
