Israeli Police Impose Gag Order on Investigation Into Missing Mother and Daughter in Austria

Israeli police have issued a gag order on all details related to the investigation into the disappearance of Mally and Liel Yahalomi in Vienna, who have been missing for six days. Overnight, family members provided testimony to investigators from Unit 433, which has taken over the case. The family criticized police briefings for creating the impression that conclusions about the circumstances of the disappearance have already been reached, stating that some published information was not shared with them and that they possess contradictory evidence. They emphasized that there is currently no basis to rule out a nationalistic terrorist motive.

Yesterday, Channel 13 reported that the police established a special command post in Austria to assist in the search for the two Israeli women. Police Commissioner Major General Danny Levi held a special meeting and decided to transfer the investigation to Unit 433. Meanwhile, Vienna police stated there is no indication of criminal activity or harm to the mother and daughter, and the search continues.

Israeli authorities are also investigating leads suggesting the women were not kidnapped and that they carried a large sum of money before traveling. The Israeli embassy in Austria has appealed to the public for help locating Mally, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, who flew from Israel to Prague last Tuesday and then to Vienna, where contact was lost.

The family hired "Magen Search and Rescue," which dispatched a professional team to Austria to assist with the search. They have also launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the search efforts, including local professional assistance, travel, translation, logistics, and emergency expenses. The family expressed deep concern over the sudden loss of contact, noting that both women are experienced travelers who usually keep in touch with relatives. They have filed a complaint with local police and are in contact with the Israeli consul in Vienna.