Gilad Shalit has been formally released from IDF service.

The former soldier was freed in October after more than five years as a prisoner of terrorist group Hamas.

He was captured as a 19 year old during his mandatory army service, in a raid at the Gaza border.

Although there was no suggestion that he would have to complete his active service, soldiers remain in the army as reservists and can be called up at any time.

He was discharged at the rank of sergeant-major earlier today, after he signed the release forms at his family home in Mitzpe Hila.