In August 2013, a trial excavation was conducted at the Sha‘ar Ha-‘Amaqim antiquities site west of the kibbutz (Permit No. A-6889; map ref. 210104–24/736628–72), after ancient remains were discovered while overseeing the construction of a water reservoir. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Cross-Israel Highway Company, Ltd., was directed by D. Kirzner, with the assistance of Y. Amrani and E. Bachar (administration), A. Gorzalczany and Y. Arbel (scientific guidance), R. Mishayev and M. Kahan (surveying and drafting), A. Dagot (GPS), P. Gendelman (consultation and ceramics) and K. Sa‘id and L. Talmi.