Mali and Liel Yahloomi Found Abroad After Week; Haimnot Kasao Still Missing After 902 Days

Mali and Liel Yahloomi were located on the other side of the world less than a week after their disappearance, likely while en route to Bolivia. In contrast, Haimnot Kasao has been missing for 902 days, with no resolution to her case. The Kasao family accused the Israeli police of negligence and demanded that the investigation into Haimnot's disappearance be transferred to the Shin Bet security service.

Benji and Taspia Kasao, Haimnot's parents, expressed relief over Mali and Liel's safe recovery but emphasized their ongoing anguish over their youngest daughter’s abduction. They criticized the police under Chief Commissioner Danni Levi for focusing resources on finding Mali and Liel while allegedly neglecting Haimnot's case. They called on the police to hand over the investigation to the Shin Bet, citing the failure of the police and Lahav 433 unit led by Commissioner Meni Benyamin to make progress.

The family also appealed to the Israeli public for support, thanking those who expressed outrage over the unequal treatment in Haimnot’s case and urging continued advocacy. Last Wednesday, family members protested near the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding intervention from Shin Bet chief David Zini to intensify the search efforts.

Mali and Liel were found in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and new footage was released showing them with Walter Kogan, an Israeli police representative in South America. Police suspect financial distress and a desire to disappear motivated their departure, with a close bond between the two playing a key role. Investigators uncovered prior communications indicating Mali’s willingness to go anywhere with Liel, and are examining reports of money taken from their grandmother and the grandmother’s awareness of the plan.

Authorities also identified preparatory actions such as deleting apps and data from phones and using photos taken in Vienna to create the impression they remained there after leaving. Vienna was chosen for its access to major transport hubs facilitating travel across Europe. Mali reportedly attempted to contact the Israeli consulate in Vienna once, but the call was unanswered, and the reason remains unclear.