In November 2007, a trial excavation was conducted along the eastern fringes of Tel Zavat, in Qiryat Bialik (Permit No. A-5260; map ref. 208550–650/746657–738). The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Department of Public Works, was directed by A. Shadman, with the assistance of D. Ben-Yosef (area supervision), S. Ya‘aqov-Jam (administration), T. Sagiv (photography) and D.T. Ariel (numismatics).