DRAMATIC TWIST: Missing Israeli Mother And Daughter In Vienna May Have Vanished Voluntarily, Police Probe Cash And Deleted Location Data

Investigators examining the disappearance of Israeli mother and daughter Mali and Liel Yahalomi in Vienna are now exploring the possibility that the pair vanished voluntarily rather than through abduction.

According to reporting by Ynet journalist Liran Tamari, Israeli and Austrian authorities have found evidence suggesting deliberate preparation. Location data and digital history were apparently erased from the women's cellphones in the days before they disappeared. Also, investigators are examining whether the mother and daughter obtained a substantial amount of cash while still in Israel before traveling abroad.

These findings have led authorities to investigate whether the disappearance was planned in advance and carried out by choice, rather than resulting from abduction or criminal activity. Vienna Police stated they have found no indication that a crime was committed at this stage. Austrian authorities have similarly uncovered no evidence pointing to abduction or terror-related involvement.

Despite the new investigative direction, an extensive search continues. Authorities have conducted hospital checks throughout the Vienna area and are coordinating with Israeli diplomatic and consular officials. The two women, who are Shomer Shabbos, were last seen on Shabbos near a Vienna train station and an adjacent public park.

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy convened a special situation assessment with senior officials from multiple divisions and representatives from an established command center. Levy instructed police to devote necessary resources to locating the women and determining what occurred. Additional Israeli law enforcement personnel are traveling to Vienna to support investigators already on the case.

The mother and daughter last communicated with relatives Friday before Shabbos, indicating all was well. They subsequently disappeared, and their Vienna apartment was found empty. They failed to appear for their scheduled flight back to Israel. Authorities continue investigating both the circumstances of their disappearance and the possibility they intentionally concealed their movements.