Mali and Liel planned their disappearance. The one thing police still can’t explain: why

Israeli police remain puzzled by the decision of mother-daughter duo Mali and Liel Yahalomi to leave Israel and vanish, even after their safe discovery in Argentina after a week-long international search. The official investigating the case stated that the reason behind their departure is still unclear. Despite this, they continue to delve into the situation in Israel.

The two were found on a bus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, in good health. They were interviewed by local police and released, as there was no evidence suggesting their disappearance was related to any criminal activity. It was revealed that they had procured new phones and prepared a detailed plan to evade detection before their departure.

The police now believe that their journey did not originate in Vienna, as previously thought, but in Czechia, where phones can be bought without presenting a passport. Subsequently, the mother and daughter traveled to Vienna, where it is believed they recorded videos intended for their family. However, these videos were only sent after they had already moved on to Germany, according to the senior police source.

The investigation suggests that the delayed transmission of the videos was a deliberate tactic to give the impression that they were still in Vienna. Their phone was last detected near a train station in Vienna. After Germany, they flew to Argentina, where they were ultimately found by an Israel Police officer stationed in South America.

It is believed that Buenos Aires may not have been their final destination. Police speculate that the women had planned to continue their journey to another undisclosed location. Despite their safe return to Israel, it remains uncertain whether they have moved on since their capture in Buenos Aires.

The investigation, led by Lahav 433, involved an extensive intelligence operation with approximately 300 investigators and intelligence personnel working tirelessly to piece together the women's movements. The operation, which started early in the case, confirmed that the disappearance had been pre-planned. This led to the establishment of large command centers in Israel and abroad, deploying resources to track the women and carry out numerous investigative measures.

Police sources noted that the initial clues leading authorities to the missing women's location were obtained through intelligence inputs. The Israeli Police, under Commissioner Danny Levy, collaborated with Lahav 433 and the police Intelligence Division operating around the clock. Their efforts, along with those of Europol and other international police organizations, ultimately resulted in the discovery of the women in Argentina.

In a statement, Israeli authorities emphasized the successful operation conducted by the Israeli Police, showcasing their capability to operate globally. The Yahalomi family expressed immense relief upon learning of their daughters' safety. They thanked the Israeli public, Israeli Police, the Israeli consulate in Vienna, Magen company, and civilian rescue volunteers for their support during the search.

Additionally, the family pledged to return the approximately 260,000 shekels raised through a crowdfunding campaign during the search.