French police officer injured in antisemitic arson attack on synagogue

A police officer was injured during an apparent arson attack at a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, a town in southern France, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a car, which had been set ablaze, exploded in the synagogue's car park. The explosion, which appears to have been deliberate, is being treated as a targeted antisemitic attack, prompting an increase in security measures at Jewish institutions across the country.

Jason Brodsky, the policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), described the incident, stating on X that it had "shades of IRGC terrorists' arson attempts."

Since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, Iran has vowed revenge. However, they have yet to take direct action, leading some to speculate that Iran may be considering targeting Israelis in other countries as a form of retaliation.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has condemned the attack, describing it as an act of antisemitism. He stated, "Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted," and emphasized the government's commitment to not being intimidated by such acts of violence. The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken charge of the investigation, and authorities are currently searching for the suspect responsible for the attack.

Local reports indicate that two cars were set on fire in the synagogue's parking area at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time. One of these vehicles contained at least one gas bottle, which exploded during the incident. The timing of the explosion, coinciding with the expected arrival of worshippers, suggests a deliberate attempt to cause harm to members of the Jewish community.

Yonathan Arfi, head of CRIF, an umbrella organization representing French Jewish groups, condemned the attack, stating, "Exploding a gas bottle in a car in front of the Grande Motte synagogue at the expected time of arrival of the faithful: it's not just attacking a place of worship, it's an attempt to kill Jews."

The injured police officer, who was at the scene, has been reported to be in stable condition, with no threat to their life. In response to the attack, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that police protection for synagogues, Jewish schools, and shops would be reinforced nationwide.

This incident unfolded against the backdrop of Israel's National Security Council issuing heightened safety guidelines for Israelis attending the Olympics last month, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Iran-backed terrorist organizations targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals. The NSC also cited recent arrests of French teenagers with ties to the Islamic State, further illustrating the complex security landscape.