Family of Missing Israeli Girl Demands Shin Bet Take Over Investigation After Other Cases Solved Quickly

Following the rapid international investigation that located Mally and Liel Yahalomi within a week, the family of Haimnot Kasao is demanding a similar level of effort and resources be applied to her disappearance case. The Kasao family criticized the police for inadequate updates and called for the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to take over the investigation, citing the success of the police’s recent operation in finding Mally and Liel.

Mally and Liel Yahalomi were found healthy and safe on a bus in Argentina after disappearing from Vienna. Israeli police, led by Unit 433 and intelligence divisions, collaborated with Europol and other international agencies, conducting hundreds of investigative actions around the clock. The police clarified that the mother and daughter left voluntarily and no criminal suspicion was found against them.

In contrast, Haimnot Kasao has been missing for over 900 days since disappearing from a reception center in Safed. Her family claims the police have no leads and are not providing sufficient information. They argue that Shin Bet’s intelligence capabilities, which have been effective in other cases including organized crime and weapons trafficking in Arab communities, should be utilized to find Haimnot.

Haimnot’s father, Tsafiya Kasao, expressed deep frustration and pain, reading a personal letter during a demonstration marking 900 days since her disappearance. He questioned whether racial or ethnic bias affected the investigation, highlighting that Haimnot is an Ethiopian immigrant and suggesting her case might have received more attention if she looked different. The family thanked the Israeli public for their support and urged continued advocacy to ensure their voices are heard.

Police Commissioner Roni Levi acknowledged the success in the Yahalomi case but did not comment on the Kasao investigation. The Kasao family continues to press for a transfer of the case to Shin Bet, hoping for renewed momentum in the search for Haimnot.