Israeli Journalist Warns of Concerning Silence in Vienna Disappearance Case

Josh Breiner, a crime reporter for Haaretz, commented on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of two Israeli women, Liel and Mally Yahalomi, in Austria. According to local authorities, the women left their apartment with personal belongings and without any accompanying person. Breiner noted that the Austrian police appear to be handling the case slowly, though a police source expressed optimism that the women are alive, a claim Breiner said lacks clear basis. The last known sign of life from the women was recorded at 9 a.m. last Saturday near Vienna's train station and a nearby park.

Breiner detailed that the investigation involves Austrian police alongside representatives from the Israeli police, Mossad, the Israeli embassy and consulate, and an Israeli search and rescue company called Magen. Despite these efforts, Breiner called for stronger diplomatic involvement to prompt more decisive action from European authorities. He emphasized that all possibilities remain open but highlighted the troubling fact that two ordinary Israeli women have vanished in a major Western European capital without any trace for over a week, describing this as "not a good sign."