This talk investigates the role of military architecture in state formation process. Focusing on Qeren Naftali (Khirbet el-Harrawi) near the Israeli-Lebanese border, it examines two fortresses: one built by the Hasmoneans and the other planned by the Zionists. By juxtaposing these two structures, the strategic significance of the hill is highlighted, as well as the distinct strategies employed by each polity in shaping the landscape.