The circumstances surrounding the shootings are unclear, but according to the news agency AP, they took place at two different locations in the ultra-Orthodox city.

Another attack is said to have taken place in the neighboring town of Ramat Gan, according to medical staff on site.

In the third attack, it is still unclear what kind of weapon was used - in the two in Bnei Brak, it is reported that there was a shooting.

"Unfortunately, we have to announce that five people are dead," said Eli Bin, head of the Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom.

On Sunday, several people were attacked in Hadera in northern Israel.

Two border police were killed.

The terrorist movement IS said through its propaganda channels that it was behind the act.

Last week, four people were killed and several others injured when a knife-wielding man attacked Beersheba in southern Israel.

The perpetrator was an Israeli citizen who had previously been convicted of expressing his support for IS, according to authorities.