During November 2003, a trial excavation was conducted in the Or ‘Akiva industrial zone (Permit No. A-4044; map ref. NIG 19225–9/71413–7; OIG 14225–9/21413–7), prior to the construction of a new neighborhood. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Ministry of Housing and Construction, was directed by A. Shadman.
The excavation extended across a flat sandy area (20 m sq). Remains of a mosaic and a few potsherds that dated to the Hellenistic and Late Roman periods were found. It was ascertained that the archaeological finds were not in situ, but were probably brought to the site by mechanical equipment that had worked in the area.