During October 2010, a trial excavation was conducted at Yavne’el (Permit No. A-6010; map ref. 246823/734954), prior to construction. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by G. Elkan, was directed by E. Amos (photography, surveying and drafting), with the assistance of Y. Ya‘aqobi (administration) and M. Hartal (consultation).