Foreign minister's agenda for trip said to include shaky ceasefire with Hamas, Israelis being held in the Strip; will return smuggled antiquities

Israel Antiques Authority says structure contained items identified with Jewish community of 2nd century CE; cemetery nearby poses riddle over who is interred

Experts suggest coin may have been made by priests assisting Great Revolt against Romans, using precious metal from holy site's plentiful reserves

Weapons, coins, burnt wooden beams unearthed in Lachish Forest from structure said to be part of fortified line erected by Hellenistic army to protect city from Hasmonean offensive

Band is adorned with semiprecious amethyst stone, which was believed to have power in dispelling the aftereffects of alcohol

Though encrusted with marine organisms, one-meter-long blade was preserved in perfect condition, expert says; finder given outstanding citizen award for handing in relic

Industrial site dating back some 1,500 years was capable of producing around 2 million liters of wine a year that were marketed across the region, archaeologists say

'Only the rich could afford toilets' 2,700 years ago, says Israel Antiquities Authority archeologist who uncovered the ancient latrine

Archaeologists say find provides 'clear demonstration' of various phases of stone preparation, and can help them recreate and test ancient methods described in biblical sources

Joint Israeli-Lithuanian six-year excavation in ruins of centuries-old Jewish community center unearths prayer platform, silver pointer used when reading the Torah