In February 1979 Jordan called for a Security Council debate on the situation in the administered territories. On 22 March 1979 the Council adopted resolution 446 calling for the creation of a three-member commission to "examine the situation relating to the settlements in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem." Other paragraphs negated the legal validity of Israel's policy of establishing settlements in what it termed "Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967." Resolution 446 was adopted by 12 in favour, none against, three abstentions (Norway, Britain and the U.S.). Israel rejected the resolution and refused to cooperate with the commission, arguing it would serve only to underwrite "pre-determined and hostile conclusions." Resolution 452 was adopted by 14 in favour with the U.S. again abstaining. The resolution accepted the commission's recommendations and in addition to the settlements issue, spoke of the "need to protect and preserve" the holy places in Jerusalem. The reference to Jerusalem led to the U.S. abstention. Text:
The Security Council,
Taking note of the report and recommendations of the Security Council Commission established under resolution 446 (1979) to examine the situation relating to settlements in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, contained in document S/13450,
Strongly deploring the lack of co-operation of Israel with the Commission,
Considering that the policy of Israel in establishing settlements in the occupied Arab territories has no legal validity and constitutes a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949.
Deeply concerned by the practices of the Israeli authorities in implementing that settlements policy in the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and its consequences for the local Arab and Palestinian population,
Emphasizing the need for confronting the issue of the existing settlements and the need to consider measures to safeguard the impartial protection of property seized,
Bearing in mind the specific status of Jerusalem, and reconfirming pertinent Security Council resolutions concerning Jerusalem and in particular the need to protect and preserve the unique spiritual and religious dimension of the Holy Places in that city.
Drawing attention to the grave consequences which the settlements policy is bound to have on any attempt to reach a peaceful solution in the Middle East,
1. Commends the work done by the Commission in preparing the report on the establishment of Israeli settlements in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem;
2. Accepts the recommendations contained in the above-mentioned report of the Commission;
3. Calls upon the Government and people of Israel to cease, on an urgent basis, the establishment, construction and planning of settlements in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem;
4. Requests the Commission, in view of the magnitude of the problem of settlements, to keep under close survey the implementation of the present resolution and to report back to the Security Council before 1 November 1979.