Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi and her daughter, Liel, were found alive in Argentina on Friday night, the Israel Police confirmed, one week after their disappearance in Vienna.
According to a report by the Jewish news agency in Argentina, AJN, the mother and daughter were found on an intercity bus in Buenos Aires.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the trip, including why the two women traveled from Europe to Argentina and did not make contact while police were trying to locate them.
A senior police official told Ynet that investigators believed early on that Mali and Liel Yahalomi’s disappearance had been planned, prompting a large-scale investigation because their motive remained unclear. According to Ynet, investigators traced their route through the Czech Republic and Vienna before locating them in Argentina.
Police suspect the two recorded videos for their family in Vienna but sent them after leaving the country, creating the impression they were still there, Ynet reported. The investigation also reportedly found that their travel was connected to personal financial circumstances.
The two were questioned and released after being located. A police source told Ynet: “The two left voluntarily. The police representative ensured that there was no danger to their lives, and that they were not threatened and could continue on their way.”
Representatives of the family and Mali’s brother told N12 News that they were very happy to learn that the women had been found alive. They said questions remained, but stressed that their immediate relief was knowing the two were safe.
The family also said that funds raised through a crowdfunding campaign would be returned to donors.
Police thank security agencies, international bodies for assistance in locating Mali and Liel
Israel Police said in a statement that it was grateful for the cooperation of the numerous security agencies and international bodies involved in efforts to locate the missing women, including Lahav 433, the Police Intelligence Division, and Europol.
"Under the direction of Police Commissioner Dan Levy, the police, led by Unit 433 and the Police Intelligence Division, conducted extensive operations in Israel and abroad, operating 24/7, and allocating all necessary resources to locate them, carrying out hundreds of investigative actions," the statement said.
Israel Police confirmed that its representatives had been operating in several countries under the direction of the police commissioner, conducting extensive investigative efforts and utilizing intelligence capabilities that ultimately led to the discovery of the missing women in Argentina.
"This intelligence and operational activity demonstrates the ability of the Israeli Police to operate anywhere in the world," the statement said.