A trial excavation was conducted in the eastern wall of a cave located between Rosh Ha-‘Ayin Junction and Ariel (Permit No. A-3589*; map ref. NIG 21790/64891; OIG 16790/14891), prior to continuing the paving of Highway 5 and preventing the collapse of rock. Bedrock was straightened and no archaeological remains were found. The cave, which contained habitation levels from the Middle Paleolithic period, was excavated by R. Barkai, H. Khalaily, M. Steiner and A. Gopher in 2001 (Permit No. B-240/2001).