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Selfie sparks debate over Lebanese-Israeli engagement rules

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(MIAMI, FL) — Miss Lebanon Sally Greige came under fire after Miss Israel Doron Matalon posted a selfie of herself, Miss Lebanon, Miss Japan, and Miss Slovenia at the Miss Universe competition in Miami.

Greige says she was ‘photo-bombed’ by Miss Israel at the competition and tried to distance herself from her. She issued the following statement on Facebook.

“To all my supporters and Lebanese citizens, I would like to thank you indeed for your continuous support of Miss Lebanon at the Miss Universe contest …The truth behind the photo: Since the first day of my arrival to participate to Miss Universe, I was very cautious to avoid being in any photo or communication with Miss Israel (that tried several times to have a photo with me) … I was having a photo with Miss Japan, Miss Slovenia and myself; suddenly Miss Israel jumped in, took a selfie, and put it on her social media…this is what happened and I hope to have your full support in the Miss Universe contest,” she wrote.

Miss Israel Doron Matalon responded with the following statement:

“It doesn’t surprise me, but it still makes me sad. Too bad you can not put the hostility out of the game, only for three weeks of an experience of a lifetime that we can meet girls from around the world and also from the neighboring country.”

Some are calling for Greige to lose the title over the selfie, especially because any contact with the Jewish state is illegal in Lebanon.

The following list explains the rules of Lebanese-Israeli engagement, courtesy of Beirut-based media outlet, NOW News:

Rules-of Lebanese-Israeli-engagement

The 63rd Miss Universe pageant finale is scheduled to take place on January 25 at the US Century Bank Arena at Florida International University.

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RELATED: VIDEO: Jon Stewart responds to Miss Universe selfie debate. Watch here.

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