Yahalomi mother, daughter located in Argentina, were traveling voluntarily

Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi and her daughter, Liel, were found alive in Argentina on Friday night, 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.

A senior police source told N12  that the mother and daughter were found in Buenos Aires after investigators tracked them to a bus they were traveling on. Police had already determined they were likely traveling voluntarily and without coercion, but questioned the group upon locating them to confirm that on the ground.

According to N12, police determined that the mother and daughter were not in danger and that no criminal incident had occurred. With no grounds for an arrest, they were subsequently released, and the investigation was concluded.

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.

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 their immediate focus was that they were alive.