Jerusalem, Aug 31 (DPA) Four Israelis were killed Tuesday evening in what was believed to be a Palestinian attack in the West Bank, the Israeli army said.

The attack took place near the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba, with one or more attackers opening fire on the Israelis riding in a car at the Bani Naim intersection.

The military spokeswoman said a helicopter had been despatched to evacuate those killed.

According to Israeli media reports, one of those killed was a pregnant woman.

The attack comes two days before Israel and the Palestinians are to relaunch direct peace negotiations in Washington.