Israeli Sisters Mally and Liel Yehalomi Found Safe in South America After Weeklong Search

Israeli police announced on Friday evening that Mally and Liel Yehalomi, missing for a week, were located in South America. The Israel Police, in cooperation with various security agencies domestically and internationally, conducted an extensive and focused search operation. A video released by the police shows the sisters identified on a bus in Buenos Aires. Investigations revealed they had purchased alternative phones and devised an escape plan due to personal financial circumstances. After questioning, they were released as no criminal suspicion arose. A police source confirmed the sisters left voluntarily and that their safety was verified.

The intelligence leading to their discovery was obtained by the Lahav 433 unit, with the indication received just hours before the announcement. Under the directive of Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi, the police operated command centers around the clock in Israel and abroad, dedicating all necessary resources and conducting hundreds of investigative actions. Cooperation included Europol and other international police organizations. Israeli police representatives abroad carried out significant investigative and intelligence operations across several countries, culminating in the sisters’ location in Argentina.

The Yehalomi family expressed immense relief at their safe recovery and gratitude to the Israeli public, police, the Israeli consulate in Vienna, and rescue volunteers. They also confirmed that all funds raised by the public, approximately 260,000 shekels, will be returned to donors. Earlier police updates clarified the sisters’ movements, narrowing gaps in their whereabouts during the relevant period. Austrian police confirmed the sisters left Austria voluntarily with no signs of violent crime. Reports indicated they traveled from Austria to Germany and then to South America.

The last mobile phone tracking occurred near a Vienna train station on Saturday morning, about two kilometers from their residence, with no suspicion of a crime at that time. A gag order was imposed on the investigation on Wednesday, managed by the National Unit for Combating Economic Crime (YALAK) in Lahav 433. The gag order sparked rumors linking Mally Yehalomi’s disappearance to her work at Bank of Jerusalem’s retail headquarters, causing the bank’s stock to drop over 12% before stabilizing. The bank denied any irregularities or concerns regarding customer funds or assets.