In October 2013, a trial excavation was conducted in Ramat Bet Shemesh C, northwest of Horbat Bet Natif (Permit No. A-6911; map ref. 199228/623172; Fig. 1), prior to paving a road. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, was directed by R. Greenwald, with the assistance of N. Nahama (administration), A. Hajian and M. Kunin (surveying and drafting), A. Peretz (photography) and N. Zak (plans). Y. Zur, A. Melman and S. Gendler carried out antiquities inspections at the site and prepared the area for excavation.