Tel Ira is an archaeological site in the Negev (Israel), overlooking the Beer Sheva valley.

[2] In the late 8th or early 7th century BC, Tel Ira had a city wall[3] 1.6-1.8 m thick.

Tel Ira became part of a series of Judahite fortifications against eastern incursions from the Arab desert tribes and Edom.

[3] Edomite pottery is found at several sites in the eastern Negev suggesting they gained control over trade routes as Jerusalem fell to the Assyrians in 701 BC.

The monastery was part of the nearby settlement but ceased to exist during the Muslim conquest in the mid-seventh century.