Story perspectives

Israeli Mother, Daughter Found Alive After 24-Hour Search

8/15/2026

Summary

Levy Leads Rescue

Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi and daughter Liel Yahalomi were found alive in Argentina on August 15, 2026.
Police Commissioner Danny Levy directed Unit 433 and the Intelligence Division in a 24-hour effort that located them.
Officials said the motive is unclear, noted Mali withdrew 14,000 euros, and traced travel from Czechia through Vienna and Germany to Argentina.
Chief Superintendent Walter Alejandro Kogan questioned them in Buenos Aires, found no criminal signs, and released them.

Summary

Levy Directs Probe

A gag order from the Rishon LeZion Court on August 13 bars details of disappearance until September 13.
Bank of Jerusalem shares fell 12% after rumors linked the case to Mali Yahalomi’s bank role.
The Yahalomi family urged investigators to keep scenarios open, including a terrorist motive, and condemned briefings suggesting a conclusion.
Commissioner Danny Levy said YALAC unit leads the probe and found no link to pro-Palestinian or Iranian groups.

History

Historical Context

On June 27 1976 four PFLP-linked terrorists hijacked an Air France Airbus A300, diverting it to Uganda with Idi Amin’s consent. Israel’s cabinet, led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, launched Operation Thunderbolt on July 4, sending commandos who rescued 102 hostages and killed all seven hijackers and 45 Ugandan soldiers. The raid set a precedent for rapid, cross-border counter-terrorism.

1 of 3

Levy Leads Rescue

Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi and daughter Liel Yahalomi were found alive in Argentina on August 15, 2026.
Police Commissioner Danny Levy directed Unit 433 and the Intelligence Division in a 24-hour effort that located them.
Officials said the motive is unclear, noted Mali withdrew 14,000 euros, and traced travel from Czechia through Vienna and Germany to Argentina.
Chief Superintendent Walter Alejandro Kogan questioned them in Buenos Aires, found no criminal signs, and released them.

1 / 3