Mephisto 2482

[Lezapping]

Tried my hand at this puzzle and have got all except the following for which I am seeking some hints/clues, please!

17a: Scot's interjection, seeing strke outside a hotel ( 5 )=
HAIT?
20a: Socialite leaving Hungay, straight back into Israel (6, two words ) = IT?I?L
31a: Prophets alternative name, one assumed after change of leadership ( 5 ) = EL??Y

21d: One creeps downhill, beginning to get moreloopy!
( 7 ) = ?L?C?E?

[JUNKMAN]

20a Think 'straight' back less Hungary inside short version of Israel - first word 2 letters
21d Natural phenomenon - 'beginning to get' gives you first letter

[kayakamina]

17a Haith.......interjection....Hit -outside A +H (hotel)

31a Elias.......Could be Alias (assumed name ) if you change leading letter E becomes A

[Lezapping]

Many thanks, Junkman and Kayakamina, for the rapid response to the query! Just 20a and 26d continue to puzzle!