Staff-Sergeant Michael Tyukin was killed by an exploding Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced on Sunday morning. Four other IDF soldiers were lightly wounded in the incident.
Tyukin, 21, from Ashkelon, served in the Givati Brigade's Reconnaissance Battalion. He made aliyah from Ukraine six years ago with his mother. He is an only child.
The drone did not use night-vision equipment, an initial IDF investigation showed, according to Army Radio.
One assessment on how the drone struck the battalion's soldiers is that the troops were known to be using that route to advance, while another indicates that Hezbollah terrorists may have used the light from the full moon to navigate, according to Army Radio.
"The entire city of Ashkelon is in pain and mourning his death," said Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Galam. "Michael was his mother's only son. The Ashkelon Municipality will accompany his mother through this difficult time and provide her with all the assistance she needs."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences to Tyukin's mother on Sunday morning, on behalf of himself, his wife, Sarah, and "on behalf of all citizens of Israel."
Together with his comrades, he fought heroically deep within Lebanese territory to protect the security of Israel and the communities of the North," Netanyahu said. "May Michael’s memory be blessed and enshrined in our hearts forever.”
He also wished the soldiers wounded in the incident a "full and speedy recovery."
IDF pushes north past Litani River, takes Beaufort Ridge outpost
IDF ground troops crossed the Litani River, entering and securing the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas of southern Lebanon, the military announced on Sunday morning.
The operation began several days ago with the goal of eliminating the threat Hezbollah poses to the citizens of northern Israel, and is currently expanding to additional areas.
Ahead of the troops' entry, the Israel Air Force conducted extensive support strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the area.
James Genn and Rami Shani contributed to this report.