Israeli Police Say Missing Yahalomi Mother and Daughter Found Alive in Argentina

Israeli police announced Friday that Mali and Liel Yahalomi, a mother and daughter who had been missing, were found alive in Buenos Aires following an extensive international search.

The women were located on a bus in the Argentine capital, with police footage capturing an Israeli representative identifying himself and beginning to question them. According to investigative reports, the two had purchased replacement phones and developed plans to leave Europe due to personal circumstances. Following questioning, they were released after investigators determined there was no criminal wrongdoing.

A police source indicated the women had departed voluntarily. An Israeli police representative in Argentina confirmed they faced no danger, were not being threatened, and were free to continue their journey.

The search operation was led by Lahav 433 and the Israel Police Intelligence Division under Police Commissioner Dani Levy. Command centers operated continuously in Israel and internationally, with hundreds of investigative actions undertaken. Intelligence obtained by Lahav 433 provided indication of their location several hours before they were found. The operation involved Europol and police organizations in multiple countries.

Investigators had narrowed gaps in the women's movements following their disappearance in Austria. Their mobile phones were last detected Saturday morning near a Vienna train station. Austrian police had previously stated the women left the country of their own accord with no indication of violent crime.

The disappearance had prompted significant concern in Israel. A gag order was imposed Wednesday on certain investigation aspects handled by Lahav 433's national economic crime unit.

The family expressed "tremendous relief" At finding Mali and Liel alive and thanked the Israeli public, police, the Israeli consul in Vienna, Magen and volunteer searchers.