Israeli Mother and Daughter Found in Buenos Aires After Week-Long Search

Mali and Liel Yahalomi, an Israeli mother and daughter, were located by police in Buenos Aires after nearly a week of intensive searching. They were found alongside Walter Kogan, an Israeli police officer stationed in South America, who played a key role in their discovery. During their questioning outside a bus, Mali was seen smoking a cigarette while Liel and Kogan stood nearby. Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron described how the two women emotionally embraced Kogan upon meeting him, touched by his reassurance that "the whole country cares for them even outside the bus." Doron praised Kogan as a highly skilled intelligence professional who conducted excellent work.

Authorities believe the disappearance stemmed from financial distress, with the strong bond between mother and daughter influencing their decision to leave together. Early police investigations revealed prior communications between them, including a message from Liel saying, "I will go with you anywhere." Initial suspicions linked Mali’s disappearance to her banking job, but the bank ruled out theft. It was discovered Mali withdrew about 14,000 euros in cash before leaving, suggesting an intention not to return soon. Police are also examining whether money was taken from the grandmother and her awareness of the plan.

Further investigation uncovered preparations such as deleting apps and data from their phones and using photos taken in Vienna to create the false impression they were still there after departure. Their journey began in the Czech Republic, where they purchased phones without ID, then moved to Vienna to film videos for family, which were sent after they had already left for Germany. From Germany, they flew to Argentina, where they were found. Authorities suspect they planned to continue to another undisclosed destination, but it is unclear if they proceeded.

The search involved about 300 intelligence and investigative personnel working around the clock across continents. Kogan’s involvement was pivotal in concluding the search successfully. Mali once attempted to contact the Israeli consulate in Vienna, but the call was unanswered, and the reason remains unknown.

Summary: Israeli mother and daughter Mali and Liel Yahalomi were found in Buenos Aires after a week-long search led by Israeli police officer Walter Kogan. Their disappearance appears linked to financial distress, and they had prepared extensively to mislead authorities about their location. They are believed to have planned further travel beyond Argentina.