JERUSALEM (VINnews) — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Friday that the actions of Israeli troops during a deadly shooting attack near Hebron in southern Judea-Samaria prevented a more severe assault on civilians.

“The outcome of the encounter with the terrorist cell is painful, but the initial inquiry indicates that the force’s actions prevented a more serious attack against Israeli civilians,” Zamir said while visiting the scene at Yehuda Junction on Route 35.

The attack unfolded early Friday when two terrorists, identified as 27-year-old Hebron residents and relatives Hamouda Wael Mohammed Jaaba and Firas Samir Mohammed Jaaba, both affiliated with Hamas, arrived in a vehicle with yellow Israeli license plates. They opened fire at a temporary IDF checkpoint with an assault rifle and a handgun.

Soldiers from the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion engaged the attackers in a gunbattle that lasted more than 20 minutes. The two terrorists were eliminated by a deputy battalion commander and a company commander. A large quantity of ammunition was later found in their vehicle, which military officials said indicated plans for a larger-scale attack against civilians on Route 35.

Two soldiers were killed in the fighting: Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, of Ashkelon, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, of Hod Hasharon. Three other soldiers were wounded, with the injured taken to hospitals in Jerusalem.

Zamir said the IDF “will act forcefully, pursue and reach all those involved in the attack.”

“We are at the highest level of readiness and alert across all fronts. Our top mission is to thwart terrorism and ensure security and stability for Israeli civilians,” he said.

He added that the military “will not be drawn in or allow our enemies to influence us, particularly given the sensitive week we are entering,” referring to Israel’s upcoming elections on Tuesday.

Zamir approved plans for a full cordon on Hebron and nearby villages, intensified arrest operations, stronger intelligence efforts, and preparations for additional reinforcements to Central Command as needed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the sealing of Hebron and directed preparations for broader operations in Judea-Samaria, including house-to-house searches and the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in the neighborhood from which the attackers came.