During the Iron IIA, we witness a surprising settlement wave in the Negev Highlands after a millennium during which the area was devoid of occupation. This is accompanied by drastic settlement transformations in the Beersheba Valley and an unparalleled peak in Aravah copper production. The evidence suggests that these changes are connected and can be explained by the expansion of the highland polity into the south. Initially, the Beersheba–Arad valley was taken over, and the groups that were affiliated with Israel flourished, whereas settlements of groups considered hostile were destroyed and their population transferred to other areas. Subsequently, the Israelites took control – directly or indirectly – over the lucrative copper production of the Aravah (Edom), where fortifications were now built, and where many lines of evidence show that the region was now economically connected with the north. The highland polity also took control of the Negev Highlands, building dozens of fortified settlements to control the roads to the copper mines of the Aravah and to secure the taxes from caravans crossing the area with the Arabian trade. The entire system functioned together and was oriented to the north (and many LFS buildings were unearthed there, cf., Excursus 6.1).