From Israel's unity government to Syria's family feud: the non-coronavirus news you may have missed

EU countries to issue a warning about Israel's planned West Bank annexation and Rami Makhlouf has released a third video

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani (right) and Abdullah Abdullah (left) have reached a power-sharing agreement after having both claimed to win an election in Septemeber. EPA

The National

Unity government presented to Israeli parliament

After three deadlocked elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a unity government that includes Benny Gantz, of the opposition Blue and White party, for approval. It comes a week before his corruption trial begins.

Syrian tycoon Rami Makhlouf releases a third video

Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Syria's President Bashar Al Assad and part-owner of the country's largest telecoms company – as well as other businesses – posted a video to Facebook on Sunday that said a takeover of Syriatel would destroy the company. He also alluded to it damaging the Alawite community, Mr Al Assad's core constituency.

Mr Makhlouf’s videos have opened a rare window into the murky world Syria's ruling inner circle.

People walk in the almost-deserted Istiklal street at Taksim district in Istanbul during a four-day curfew to prevent the spread of Covid-19. AFP

A man swims at the beach during lockdown in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

Tunisians spend time at the beach in La Marsa, on the outskirts of the capital Tunis, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. AFP

A man walks in the deserted Eminonu square in Istanbul, during a four-day curfew. AFP

A pharmacist talks to a girl through a plastic barrier in Sanaa, Yemen. Reuters

Deserted shops near historical spice bazaar at Eminonu district in Istanbul, during a four-day curfew. AFP

Exterior view of the Hotel Riviera Beirut at the beach during lockdown in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

People gather on a beach in the Lebanese coastal village of Safra despite a four-day nationwide lockdown. AFP

EU countries to warn Israel over West Bank annexation 

EU countries are planning to issue Israel with a warning not to annex parts of the occupied West Bank to try to head off a diplomatic clash. The bloc is alarmed by the incoming government's plans to annex Jewish settlements, which it says would breach international law and harm the chances of peace with the Palestinians.

Afghanistan power-sharing deal signed

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday reached a power-sharing deal to end a political stalemate that has hampered progress towards peace.

Updated: May 17, 2020, 11:41 AM