Exploring a Maccabean-Era Fortress

June 16 2023

On a remote hilltop in the Judean desert stands a fortress from the 2nd century BCE known as Hyrcania. While its location has long been known, it until now has never been excavated. Uri Shapira writes:

“The archaeological significance of the site is tremendous. Unearthing the evidence, it’s something that overwhelms us” said Michal Haber, one of the archaeologists who led the excavations.

Hyrcania is mentioned in Josephus’ book Antiquities of the Jews as one of the three fortresses that queen Salome Alexandra, wife of Alexander Janneaus (the second Hasmonean king, who ruled the land during the 1st century BCE), refused to give up to the Pharisee party. Later, the site was associated with the famous king Herod the Great. It was known as the place where the Roman-appointed king of Judea imprisoned and tortured his rivals. The fortress is also linked to the copper scroll, one of the famous Dead Sea scrolls, which contains instructions about a mysterious treasure.

“We assume that the treasures which are mentioned in the scroll are the treasures of the Temple. The late archaeologist Hanan Eshel suggested that they are also treasures from the First Temple era,” [the excavation’s director], Oren Gutfeld, said.

[Taking] part in the digging is the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery, an organization that helps war veterans facing challenges in their life.

Read more at i24News

More about: Ancient Israel, Archaeology, Hasmoneans, Herod

What’s Behind Hamas’s Threat to Stall the Release of Hostages, and How Israel Should Respond

Feb. 12 2025

Hamas declared yesterday that it won’t release more hostages “until further notice.” Given the timing and wording of the announcement—several days before the release was supposed to take place, and speaking of a delay rather than a halt—Ron Ben-Yishai concludes that it is a negotiating tactic, aimed at “creating a temporary crisis to gain leverage.” Therefore, writes Ben-Yishai, “Hamas may reverse its decision by Saturday.” He adds:

Israel cannot afford to concede to Hamas’s demands beyond what is already outlined in the agreement, as doing so would invite continuous extortion throughout the negotiation process, further delaying hostage releases.

The group sees the public outrage and growing calls for action following the release of hostages in severe medical condition as an opportunity to extract more concessions. These demands include not only a rapid start to negotiations on the next phase of the deal and an end to the war but also smaller, immediate benefits, particularly improved conditions for displaced Gazans.

Beyond these tactical objectives, Hamas has another goal—one that Israelis do not always recognize: inflicting psychological pain on the Israeli public. The group benefits from, and perhaps even draws strength from, the anguish and emotional distress in Israel, as well as the testimonies of freed hostages detailing the abuse they endured. Hamas wants these stories to be heard—not only to pressure the Israeli government but also because, in the eyes of its supporters, Israel’s suffering is its ultimate victory.

Read more at Ynet

More about: Gaza War 2023, Hamas, Israeli Security