Israeli Sisters Mali and Liel Yahalomi Found in Argentina After Weeklong Search

New footage released on Saturday night shows Israeli sisters Mali and Liel Yahalomi during their initial questioning by Israeli police in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following nearly a week of international search efforts. The sisters were located on a bus by South American Israeli police representative Deputy Superintendent Walter Kogan, who conducted the first interrogation. The video captures an emotional moment as Mali smokes a cigarette beside her daughter Liel and Kogan. Israeli police spokesperson Aryeh Doron described the encounter as deeply moving, highlighting Kogan’s words to the sisters: "The whole country cares about you, even outside the bus." Doron praised Kogan’s professionalism and intelligence experience in successfully locating the sisters.

Investigations into the circumstances of their disappearance continue, with authorities suspecting a prolonged preparation. It was revealed that Mali withdrew approximately 14,000 euros in cash before leaving Israel, and both sisters deleted information and apps from their phones to hinder tracking. Their journey began in the Czech Republic, where they purchased new phones, then proceeded through Austria and Germany before flying to Argentina. Police suspect videos sent to family from Vienna were delayed to mislead about their location.

Authorities are exploring motives for their departure, with financial distress considered a possible factor, though no definitive conclusion has been reached. Investigators are also examining claims that money was taken from a relative and whether the mother was aware of their plans. The search operation involved hundreds of investigators and intelligence personnel from Lahav 433 and the Intelligence Division. After confirming no criminal offense occurred and the sisters were not in danger, they were released to continue on their own.