The chill had deepened to a biting dampness when Porat and Samir returned to the cave site. The clock was ticking. They pulled their Land Rover up near the police tape, immediately drawing the attention of Khaled, the police guard, who waved them down.

Porat and Samir, each holding a small knapsack, got out of the vehicle. Samir walked toward Khaled, while Porat headed to where two Haredi watchers sat in their old Toyota, parked where the guard had instructed them to wait.

Samir took a breath, taking on the role of a deferential student. He approached Khaled first, speaking in quiet, respectful Arabic. “Khaled, ya akhee.”