MasterChef Israel Eliminates Fan Favorite Jackie Azulai After Intense Ethiopian Cuisine Challenge

In a surprising elimination on MasterChef Israel aired on August 25, 2026, Jackie Azulai, a beloved contestant many believed had previously won the show, was sent home after a demanding Ethiopian-themed cooking challenge. Jackie and fellow contestant Eliav Sasson, both considered giants of the season, faced off in a tense elimination round that left judges and participants stunned that one of them had to leave. Ultimately, Jackie received the lowest score and was eliminated despite impressing judges with exceptional dishes, including a perfect score from judge Yuval Ben Neria on a prior challenge.

Judge Eyal Shani emotionally recalled Jackie’s delicate cooking style and her struggle to express her gentleness verbally, saying, "I remembered you said you are delicate and find it hard to put it into words, and tears came to my eyes." Chef Avi Biton expressed regret over the elimination, noting the inconsistency of judging top chefs harshly. Jackie herself remained positive, stating she came to "close a circle" and thanked the show for the opportunity to earn a living doing what she loves. She acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized her personal growth and confidence, humorously noting she has yet to win any reality show.

The episode highlighted the high level of competition and emotional intensity among contestants, with all episodes available for viewing on the +12 streaming platform. The elimination marks a significant moment in the season as one of the strongest contenders departs, leaving Eliav Sasson and others to continue the pursuit of the MasterChef title.