During February-March 2005 a salvage excavation was conducted on the southeastern fringes of Horbat 'Illit (Permit No. A-4385*; map ref. NIG 2030/6187; OIG 1530/1187), following an archaeological survey in the region carried out by A. Nagorski and H. Stark and prior to the construction of the separation fence (Fig. 1). The excavation, on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and funded by the Ministry of Defense, was directed by Z. Greenhut, with the assistance of V. Essman, V. Pirsky and T. Kornfeld (surveying), E. Belashov (drafting), A. Pikovski (pottery drawing), C. Amit (studio photography), D.T. Ariel (numismatics), A. Nagorski and H. Stark (logistic and professional support) and K. Sozab (fieldwork coordination).