IDF Sgt. Aviaad Elchanan Volansky was killed during operations in southern Lebanon, the military announced on Thursday evening.
Volansky, an armored corps soldier in the 77th Battalion of the Golan Assault Brigade, was 21 years old and originally hailed from Jerusalem. He was killed when an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah terrorists hit his tank, fatally wounding him and lightly injuring two other soldiers.
The missile was fired from a point north of the Litani River, meaning that though Hezbollah might be evacuated from the area, it still poses a threat to IDF operations in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his condolences with the fallen soldier's family.
"My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the armored corps fighter, Sergeant Aviad Elhanan Volansky, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in Lebanon," said Netanyahu. "Together with all citizens of Israel, we embrace the family of Aviad, of blessed memory, who fought with courage and heroism against those who seek our lives.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, who works with Volansky's father, also shared his condolences.
"I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Volansky family for the loss of their son," said Katz. "I know his father, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Volansky, the defense system's inspector general, who works closely by my side and assists me greatly in our joint work. Yair is a man of mission, dedication, and integrity who works tirelessly for the country's security. The pain of losing a son is a pain that has no words."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich eulogized Volansky in a post on X, saying:
"Aviaad was a brave warrior who defended the citizens of Israel from a cruel enemy seeking to destroy them...My heart is with his family and friends."
Additional soldier killed by Hezbollah fire
Earlier on Thursday, the IDF announced that another soldier, IDF St.-Sgt. Ori Greenberg, was killed in an exchange of fire with Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon.
The 21-year-old from Petah Tikva served in the Golani Brigade's Reconnaissance Battalion and was killed while operating under the 36th Division, aiming at expanding the IDF's security zone in southern Lebanon.
Another soldier was also injured in the shooting, but was provided medical treatment at the scene and did not need to be evacuated to the hospital.