In May 2014, a salvage excavation was conducted east of Khirbat Khatula, near Sha‘ar Ha-Gāy Junction (Giv‘at Hatul; Permit No. A-7119; map ref. 202496–500/635753–76; Fig. 1), prior to the widening of Highway 1. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of 4the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by Netivei Israel (National Transportation Infrastructure Company, Ltd.), was directed by Y. Radashkovsky (field photography), with the assistance of N. Nahama (administration), B. Touri (safety), A. Hajian and M. Kunin (surveying and drafting), N. Zak (plan), P. Betzer (consultation) and D. Ben-Ami (scientific consultation and guidance).