Israeli Officer Recalls Finding Missing Mother and Daughter in Argentina After International Search

Deputy Superintendent Walter Kogan, Israel Police representative in South America, shared details of the emotional moment he located Mally and Liel Yahalomi in Argentina last Friday. The two had been declared missing in Vienna, Austria, triggering a complex week-long international search involving hundreds of investigators and coordination with Europol. Kogan described the relief upon finding them safe, noting they believed they had successfully covered their tracks.

The case began when Mally and Liel were reported missing in Vienna, prompting a cross-continental operation led by Israel Police Chief Danny Levi. Approximately 300 officers worked around the clock, with critical intelligence provided by the Lahav 433 unit. Video footage released by police shows Kogan greeting the women on a train in Argentina, reassuring them that their safety was a priority.

Initial investigations revealed that the disappearance was premeditated due to personal financial issues. In interviews conducted by Argentine police with Israeli oversight, the women stated they wanted to disconnect from their family and country, denying any threats or coercion. They were subsequently released as no criminal suspicion arose. An Israeli police official expressed frustration over the limited scope of the investigation due to Argentine legal restrictions preventing deeper questioning.

Kogan also expressed surprise at the extensive media coverage, emphasizing that from his perspective, the operation was a routine but determined effort by Israeli police to protect citizens abroad. The case highlights the challenges and international cooperation involved in locating missing Israelis overseas.