However, two Hezbollah fighters allegedly ambushed the group and opened fire.

The IDF issued a statement saying Mr. Erlich “fell in combat” in Lebanon, recognizing him as a fallen soldier.

His entry into Lebanon, along with reports that it was not his first visit to the active war zone, are now being investigated by military police.

Sgt Gur Kehati, 20, of the Golani Brigade was killed in the incident and a company commander of the 13th battalion was seriously wounded, the IDF said. Col Yarom was moderately wounded in the gun battle.

Incident sparks ‘rules of conduct’ inquiry

Following the news of his death, Herzl Halevi, Israel’s military chief, ordered a team of experts to examine and strengthen “operational discipline in combat”.

The inquiry will examine “the rules of conduct and norms used in army units on the two main battle fronts in the north and south”.

Mr. Erlich, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Ofra, was known for his archaeological work and had written several books on Jewish history in Israel.

Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister and leader of the far-right Religious Zionist party, issued a statement praising Erlich, saying he “contributed a lot to the security of the country.”

“Senior officers have assisted him over the years in analyzing and understanding the region and its importance to security and ongoing operations,” he added.

Amichai Eliyahu, the Heritage Minister of the far-right Jewish Power Party, also issued a statement praising Erlich, saying he had “the energy of a 17-year-old”.

“He had a story for every stone. History for each path. A bible in one pocket, a map in another. At an age when others are sitting in an armchair with grandchildren, he chose to be in Lebanon,” he added.

Mr. Erlich will be buried on Thursday at the Ofra cemetery.