During June 2011, an archaeological survey was conducted in the Bedouin settlement of Qasr al-Sir near Dimona (License No. S-276/2011; map ref. 1978–90/5535–47), prior to construction. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Abu Basma Regional council, was performed by N.S. Paran and F. Sonntag, with the assistance of S. Gal (GPS).
The survey region, on the northeastern slopes of Har ‘Ezem, which is part of Rekhes Yeroham, is characterized by limestone hills and wadi valleys with clay alluvium. Numerous tumuli were noted on the ridges in the vicinity of the survey region.
Only one site of a watchman’s hut (map ref. 198242/553758; Fig.1:1) was found in the survey on a hilltop (Spot Height 563) above Nahal ‘Ezem. The structure (c. 3×3 m), built of fieldstones, is preserved two courses high (0.5 m). No datable artifacts were discovered in or around the structure.