In the early 1980s, Israel was considering the possibility of linking the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean by a canal which would also generate hydroelectric power. Parts of the canal would be dug in Judea. Jordan complained and the issue was brought before the General Assembly. Any enterprise that was bound to help Israel's economy was seen by the Arabs and their supporters as a negative development. The resolution was adopted by the almost automatic majority of 139 members voting in favor, 2 against (Israel and the U.S.) and 4 abstained In 1985 the project had to be abandoned for financial reasons. Text:
36/150 Israel's decision to build a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea
The General Assembly
Recalling the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,
Reaffirming the applicability of the Geneva Convention to all Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,
Taking into account that the Israeli project to build a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea is in violation of the rules of international law, in particular those relating to the fundamental rights and duties of States,
Also taking into account that this project, if completed, will cause direct and irreparable damage to the rights and legitimate vital interests of Jordan and of the Palestinian people,
Expressing concern that the proposed canal, to be constructed partly through the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, will violate the principles of international law,
1. Demands that Israel cease forthwith implementation of its project of a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea;
2. Requests the Security Council to consider initiating measures to halt the execution of this project;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to prepare and submit to the General Assembly and the Security Council by 30 June 1982, a study on the Israeli canal and its effects on Jordan and the Palestinian territories 'Occupied since 1967.
4. Calls upon all States not to assist, either directly or indirectly, in the preparation for and the execution of this project, and to urge the compliance of national and international corporations to this effect;
5. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-seventh session the item "Israel's decision to build a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea".