Sergeant First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner, 34, was killed in battle in southern Gaza, the IDF announced Saturday.
Sgt. First Class Lubliner served in the Logistics Unit 6036 in the 36th Division.
The incident is still being investigated; however, the IDF said that he was likely killed by friendly fire.
Lubliner immigrated to Israel from Brazil, Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed on social media. "Ariel, who immigrated to Israel out of love for the land, was called up for reserve duty since October 7 and has served with dedication ever since in defense of the State of Israel."
"On behalf of the entire defense establishment, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ariel Lubliner, a fighter in Logistics Brigade 6036, was killed in the southern Gaza Strip.
Lubliner leaves behind his wife, Barbara, their 9-month-old baby, and their family, Kiryat Bialik Mayor Eli Dukorski said.
"Ten years ago, he met Barbara, who had immigrated from Spain, at Kibbutz Na’an, and there their love began. They married seven years ago.
"Four years ago, after winning the subsidized housing lottery, they moved to the Neot Afek neighborhood in Kiryat Bialik."
Numerous reserve tours in Gaza
Since October 7, Lubliner has been called up for reserve duty for several long rounds, the mayor recounted. On Sunday, he was supposed to complete yet another reserve deployment he had been drafted for in June. Lubliner and his wife had planned to fly to Brazil for a family vacation.
"This morning, I visited Barbara, the newly bereaved widow, in their home," the mayor said. "We spoke, and I conveyed my condolences and pain. My heart broke at the sight of Lior, their 9-month-old son, who will grow up without a father.
"Ariel worked in the high-tech field and was very caring. He often turned to me regarding matters in his residential area, always politely and respectfully.
"On behalf of the residents of Kiryat Bialik, I share in the grief of the Lubliner family, send my condolences, and bitterly mourn this unfathomable loss.”
Meir Holtz, CEO of the Alyah and travel programs "Masa Israel Journey," also spoke about Ariel, an alumnus who came to Israel through one of the agency's programs.
"Ariel came to Israel from Brazil through Masa’s Kibbutz Ulpan program and settled in Kibbutz Na’an. There, he met Barbara from Spain. They fell in love, got married, and just nine months ago welcomed their son, Lior. Since October 7th, Ariel served in multiple rounds of reserve duty. He began his most recent round in June and was supposed to complete it tomorrow and return home to his family," Holtz said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed condolences to the Lubliner family.