Jerusalem, 29 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A fortress from the era described in the biblical Book of Judges reopened to visitors in Israel’s Judean Lowlands on Thursday after a NIS 400,000 ($120,000) restoration project.
Gal’on Fortress, located in the Guvrin Forest south of Jerusalem, dates to the 12th century BCE. The Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) and the Israel Antiquities Authority carried out conservation work and upgrades to make the site more accessible to the public.
“Already in the days of the Judges, the communities of ancient Israel faced the reality of conflicts with neighboring peoples, and just like today – out of a complex reality, Israel’s strong grasp on the land of our heritage was gradually established in this region,” Minister of National Heritage Amichai Eliyahu. “Visiting the site connects us to our roots, and sharpens our responsibility to continue to watchfully protect our land, from every direction.”
Archaeologists say the fortress overlooks a strategic route connecting the coastal plain with the Judean Lowlands, where Canaanites, Israelites and Philistines fought for territory.
“At the onset of the 12th century BCE, the Land of Canaan was still ruled by the Egyptians,” said Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists Saar Ganor and Itamar Weissbein, who excavated the site. They suggested the fortress may have been built by Canaanites or Egyptians in response to the changing regional balance of power.
The work included improved visitor facilities, parking, new signage and wheelchair-accessible paths.
