Israel sparks international condemnation over plans to legalize five West Bank settlements [Video]

Israel has sparked condemnation after the finance minister announced plans to legally recognize five unauthorized settlements in the occupied West Bank.As CNN has reported, the Israeli government has been looking to “strengthen” Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank after several countries unilaterally recognized a Palestinian state.Related video above: Netanyahu says Israel will not end war until all hostages returnThe spokesperson for Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, told CNN that the Israeli government had agreed in a late-night cabinet to recognize five Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that were built illegally and that Smotrich will release tax funds to the Palestinian Authority that Israel collects on its behalf.In a statement to CNN on Sunday, Smotrich’s office said the decision to release funds to the Palestinian Authority was “immediate” and would cover the past three months. Funds have been frozen following the October 7 attacks.CNN reached out to …