Overview
- Israeli authorities confirmed Mali and Liel Yahalomi were found alive in Buenos Aires and released by Argentine police after brief questioning that indicated they left voluntarily.
- During questioning the women told officers they wanted to disconnect from family and the country and said no one was threatening them.
- Investigators cite evidence of premeditation including deleted phone apps, use of replacement devices, AI-chatbot queries, surveillance footage showing them leaving with belongings, and reported cash withdrawals.
- The case was transferred to Lahav 433, Israel’s national investigations unit, which is continuing the probe but says it has not determined the exact motive for the disappearance.
- Israeli officials say cooperation from Europol and foreign police helped trace the route to Argentina but Argentine jurisdiction restricted extended Israeli interrogation, leaving open whether anyone else assisted the travel.