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

The Israeli army issued a statement saying that Mr. Erlich “fell during the fighting” in Lebanon, recognizing him as a fallen soldier.

His entry into Lebanon, as well as reports that it was not his first visit to the active war zone, is currently under investigation by military police.

Sergeant Gur Kehati, 20, of the Golani Brigade, was killed in the incident and a company commander from the 13th Battalion was seriously injured, the Israeli army said. Colonel Yarom was slightly injured during the shooting.

Incident triggers ‘rules of conduct’ investigation

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

The investigation will examine “rules of conduct and standards used in army units on the two main combat 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, finance minister and leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, issued a statement praising Mr. Erlich, saying he “contributed a lot to the security of the country.”

“Senior officers have helped him over the years to analyze and understand the region and its importance to security and ongoing operations,” he added.

Amichai Eliyahu, heritage minister for the far-right Jewish Power party, also issued a statement praising Mr. Erlich, saying he had “the energy of a 17-year-old.”

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

Mr. Erlich will be buried Thursday at Ofra Cemetery.