In November 2020, a trial excavation was conducted north of Mer h av ‘Am (Permit No. A-8875; map ref. 183440–887/533070–550; Fig. 1), in preparation for the settlement’s expansion. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and funded by Ramat Negev Regional Council, was directed by T. Sapir (field photography), with the assistance of Y. Alamor (administration), M. Kahan (surveying, aerial photography) and I. Azolay (map), as well as G. Seri, A. Rasiuk and A. Golani (consultation and scientific guidance) and laborers and community volunteers.
Tal Sapir (Thu,) studied this question.