Khirbet a-Ra'i has an area of about 17 dunams and is located between the upper and lower parts of the Shfela. It provides an excellent view towards the coastal region in the west, the Mount Hebron and Jerusalem in the east and Tell ej-Judeideh and Maresha to the north. The site controls the main road connecting the Coastal plain with the Shfela and the Judea. These features make the site suitable to serve as a forward outpost of the settlements in the area of Tel Lakhish.