Israeli officials have tentatively agreed to legalize five Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that could escalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and provoke the international community. The agreement, led by Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, involves releasing funds to the financially struggling Palestinian Authority in exchange for strengthening Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This decision is seen as a step towards advancing the expansionist agenda of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government. The move to legalize these settlements is controversial, as much of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law. The settlements have been a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians viewing them as a form of creeping annexation that undermines the possibility of a future Palestinian state. The settlements in question have not been officially named, and the details and timeline for their legalization remain unclear. However, the decision to advance the expansion of settlements comes at a time when several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Armenia, have recently recognized an independent Palestinian state. This has prompted Mr. Smotrich to indicate that the latest settlement legalization is a response to those decisions, as he adamantly opposes Palestinian statehood. The move to legalize the settlements is seen as a significant step in solidifying Israel’s hold on the West Bank, further complicating efforts to reach a two-state solution. It has drawn criticism from the United Nations and human rights organizations, with concerns raised about the impact on the prospects for peace in the region.