An Israeli conscientious objector has been released after five and a half months in jail.

Natan Blanc, 20, refused to serve in the Israel Defence Forces because of his opposition to the occupation and spent 178 days in prison.

Members of his family and Yesh Gvul – an organisation which supports conscientious objectors – greeted Mr Blanc when he was released earlier today.

One of the Yesh Gvul activists commented: “We're glad that the IDF, even though it had to be pressured politically, understood that there's no point in remaining angry at someone because he isn’t going to serve.”

According to sources, Mr Blanc intends to complete his national service with Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom.