Man Arrested for Attempted Synagogue Arson in France

French police have detained a man suspected of attempting to set a synagogue on fire in La Grande-Motte, France. The suspect, a 33-year-old Algerian, reportedly set ablaze several entry doors and nearby cars. Authorities are treating the incident as an antisemitic attack. Heightened security measures are being implemented nationwide.

French police have detained a man suspected of trying to set a synagogue ablaze in the southern French city of La Grande-Motte on Saturday morning, as confirmed by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

About 200 officers were involved in the suspect's search following the arson, which also targeted nearby vehicles, according to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. The suspect, identified as a 33-year-old Algerian by BFM TV, was apprehended after a brief firefight in Nimes, another city in southern France.

Authorities have labeled the incident as an antisemitic attack amid rising tensions in Europe related to recent Hamas-Israel conflicts. Enhanced police protection is being implemented for synagogues and Jewish institutions across France.

(With inputs from agencies.)