In June-July 2014, a trial excavation was conducted in Ramat Bet Shemesh E (Permit No. A-7146; map ref. 2005/6230), prior to construction. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, was directed by I. Zilberbod, with the assistance of T. Lieberman (area supervision), N. Nehama and R. Abu Halaf (administration), A. Hajian and M. Kunin (surveying and drafting), A. Peretz (field photography) and the Sky View Company (aerial photography).