Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered an 8th century BC stone seal during construction work at the Ein Tut Interchange in northern Israel. The seal, made of light brown gemstone, was found hanging like a necklace and features four pomegranates carved into its upper section.

Inscribed with ancient Hebrew text reading 'Belonging to Makhach (son of) Amihai,' the seal belonged to a high-ranking official from the biblical Kingdom of Judah. The discovery was made by Dr. Amir Gorzalczany and Gerald Finklestein during excavations required for the interchange construction. The late archaeologist David Amit, who deciphered the inscription with Dr. Esther Eshel, emphasized the seal's significance as originating from an organized archaeological excavation rather than an antiquities collector.

Additional artifacts found at the site include jar handles bearing royal seals with the words 'Belonging to the King' and names of Hebron and Ziph. The presence of these Judean artifacts so far north in what was the Kingdom of Israel's territory surprised researchers. Such seal impressions are typically found in Judah region sites, making this discovery particularly noteworthy for understanding administrative connections between the two ancient kingdoms.