Yael Nizri

A student from Kiryat Shmona in Israel has been chosen to represent Israel at this year's Miss Universe contest which is due to take place in July.

Yael Nizri, 18 who says she plans to study law once she completes her military service beat 20 other Israeli women to be crowned Queen of Beauty at the event which took place in Haifa.

The daughter of a Dutch mother and Moroccan father, Yael has already won a car and was presented with her win by last year's Miss Israel - Elana Ralph.

If she manages to win, Yael will become only the second Israel to scoop the crown which Israel last won in 1976 by Rina Messinger.

The annual Miss Universe is organised by US TV giant NBC and property tycoon Donald Trump.

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Miss Universe