Ancient Canaanite fortress from time of biblical Book of Judges reopens in southern Israel

The 12th-century BCE Canaanite Gal'on Fortress in the Judean Lowlands was re-inaugurated by KKL-JNF on Thursday after conservation work with the IAA. Discovered in 2018-2019, the fortress likely protected against Philistine incursions. KKL-JNF invested 400,000 NIS in renovations, including visitor infrastructure.

The 12th-century BCE Canaanite Gal'on Fortress, located in the Guvrin Forest in the Judean Lowlands, was re-inaugurated on Thursday by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) following extensive conservation work with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Discovered during 2018-2019 excavations by IAA archaeologists Dr. Saar Ganor and Dr. Itamar Weissbein near Kibbutz Gal On, the fortress is believed to have been built to protect local Canaanite inhabitants from foreign incursions, possibly from the Philistines. The fortress, roughly 18 by 18 meters with watchtowers at each corner, includes a threshold carved from solid rock weighing about 3 tons. KKL-JNF invested approximately 400,000 NIS into renovations, including preservation, new visitor infrastructure, and accessible paths. The site is part of a collaboration between KKL-JNF and the IAA to preserve and develop historical sites. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu noted that the fortress reminds us that the struggle for the land is not a new story.