Staff Sgt. Michael Tyukin was killed by an exploding Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced on Sunday morning.
Staff Sgt. Tyukin, 21, from Ashkelon, served in the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion in the Givati Brigade.
He made aliyah from Ukraine six years ago with his mother. He is an only child.
"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."
Four additional IDF soldiers were lightly wounded in the incident that killed Tyukin.
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.
Rami Shani contributed to this report.