The Israeli government has authorized the construction of 5,295 housing units in the occupied West Bank, even though the expansion of settlements is viewed as a major obstacle to peace with the Palestinians. Three previously unauthorized settler outposts are also to be given legal recognition, the Peace Now rights watchdog said on Thursday. The Higher Planning Council, the Israeli government body responsible for approving new housing construction, has passed the corresponding resolutions, Peace Now said. The occupation authorities had already decided to legalize five outposts last week. These …