1. Israel pounded Syrian army bases in strikes it says aim to keep weapons from falling into hostile hands, but denied its forces had advanced into Syria beyond a buffer zone at the border.

2. Benjamin Netanyahu entered a Tel Aviv courthouse to take the stand for the first time in a long-running corruption trial.

3. Donald Trump is set to challenge policies aimed at boosting diversity at companies and universities.

4. Chinese leaders signalled they are ready to deploy whatever stimulus is needed to counter the impact of expected US trade tariffs on next year's economic growth.

5. Many lithium mines, led by Chinese operators, are maintaining production of the raw material needed for electric vehicle batteries.

6. Boeing restarted production of its best-selling 737 MAX jetliner last week.

7. General Motors will end robotaxi development at its majority-owned, money-losing Cruise business.