Missing Israeli Mother, Bank Shares and a Gag Order: Vienna Mystery Takes New Turn

The disappearance of an Israeli mother and daughter in Vienna escalated Thursday as Israeli authorities transferred the investigation to Lahav 433, the national police unit, and the case triggered unusual stock market activity.

Mali Yahalomi, a manager at Bank of Jerusalem, and her daughter Liel vanished during a trip to Vienna on Friday, Aug. 7. The family reported regular contact throughout the trip before communications ceased.

The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court issued a gag order Thursday barring publication of investigation details until Sept. 13. Police Commissioner Danny Levy is overseeing the operation from command posts in Israel and abroad running around the clock.

Bank of Jerusalem shares fell as much as 12% Thursday before recovering partially, closing down about 3%, amid speculation over Yahalomi's employment at the bank. Unsubstantiated online rumors suggested bank funds could be connected to the disappearance. The bank rejected any such link, with CEO Yair Kaplan stating that "aside from the fact that she is a bank employee, no connection has been found between the incident and the bank." An internal review found "no findings were identified indicating any irregular activity involving the bank's funds or assets."

Israeli intelligence has found no indication the disappearance was nationally motivated, with extensive checks examining possible involvement by terrorist or hostile elements showing no evidence. Vienna police said there is "no indication of criminal activity," Suggesting the women may not have been abducted.

Investigators are examining whether the women withdrew significant cash and whether location data from their phones, which placed them near Vienna's train station during Shabbat, may have been deleted.

The family strongly disputed suggestions of a voluntary disappearance, stating "we view with great severity the briefings disseminated in recent hours" And asserting they possess information contradicting reports. The family said police confirmed no unusual bank account activity and emphasized there is "no basis for ruling out the possibility of a nationally motivated terror incident."