Barnier conducts his final consultations, Netanyahu targeted by a plot, Berlin is worried about an escalation in the Middle East… The 3 news items to remember at midday

THE POINT OF NOON – Find the main news published this Thursday, September 19 in the morning on our site.

New government: Michel Barnier leads his “last” day of consultations by receiving Larcher and Braun-Pivet

Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Stéphane DE SAKUTIN / REUTERS

The timetable seems to be speeding up. Michel Barnier is holding his “last day of consultations” on Thursday with a view to forming a government, receiving separately the President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet and the President of the Senate Gérard Larcher, Matignon announced.

Israel: Man arrested accused of plotting with Iran to assassinate Netanyahu

Israeli political figures, including Benjamin Netanyahu, were targeted by this Israeli citizen, suspected of being recruited by Iran.
Pool / REUTERS

An Israeli citizen who was recruited by Iranian intelligence to plan assassinations of Israeli figures including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been arrested.

Hezbollah walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon: Berlin warns “all parties” against escalation

Smoke rises from a mobile store as members of the civil defense gather in Sidon, Lebanon, September 18, 2024.
Hassan HANKIR / REUTERS

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned on Thursday “all parties” against an escalation in the Middle East. “For months, we and all our partners have been in discussions, making phone calls, […] “We are trying to make the smallest steps towards stability. Attacks and counterattacks do not advance the region one millimeter towards peace.”she wrote on X.

Today’s number: 23

From left to right, Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the Republic of Artsakh in 2020, Bako Sahakyan, President in 2007 and Ruben Vardanyan, State Minister in 2023.
Editing Le Figaro / AFP

That is the number of prisoners of war still held in Azerbaijan, one year after the military conquest of the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. A year that they have been waiting to be informed of their fate, while their trial has not yet arrived.

Quote of the day: what did Jean Yanne say about taxes?

Quote of the day.
THE FIGARO

I already tried to pay my taxes with a smile, they prefer a check
Jean Yanne

The striking photo to remember

A man walks barefoot on hot coals during a traditional ritual called “Lianhuo” in Jinhua, a prefecture-level city in central China’s Zhejiang province.
STRINGER / AFP