At least five Israelis have been killed in what appears to be a bank robbery in Israel this morning.

Another person is in critical condition after the attack, in which hostages were held, at the Hapoalim Bank on Jabotinsky street in Be’er Sheva.

According to a report on Haaretz news, police are investigating the possibility that a Jewish man in his forties instigated the attack after being denied a loan for his mortgage by the bank manager.

Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino told Haaretz that the robber, who has shot himself, was a Be'er Sheva resident.

Civilians have been evacuated from the area.

One woman hostage was released.

At least three people are believed to be injured and are being treated at the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva. Magen David Adom emergency service workers were at the scene.