Sydney: Australian authorities transferred the investigation of an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue to a joint counter-terrorism task force on Monday, indicating the incident is likely a terrorist act.

fire, which erupted early Friday at the Adass Israel synagogue, injured one person and caused significant damage. It has also strained diplomatic ties between Australia and Israel. Shane Patton, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, confirmed in a press conference that state and federal police, alongside the domestic intelligence agency, are collaborating to identify three suspects linked to the attack.

"We have highly skilled investigators and experts dedicated to this case, and we will exhaust all resources to resolve it," Patton stated. Initially, police did not classify the incident as a terrorist act but later redefined it to access enhanced investigative tools, such as preventative detention measures.

To reassure the local Jewish community, authorities have increased patrols in Jewish neighborhoods across Melbourne.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Australian government on Saturday, suggesting the attack was influenced by "anti-Israel sentiments" in government policies, including support for a recent U.N. resolution backing a Palestinian state. In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged on Sunday that the attack appeared to have been a terrorist act.

The incident occurs amidst a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic events in Australia since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October last year. While numerous pro-Palestine protests have been mostly peaceful, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on social harmony. Jewish organizations have also expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response to rising antisemitism.