Israeli activists call for release of conscientious objector
Left wing activists hold signs during a protest calling for the release of Israeli conscientious objector Natan Blanc from military prison, in front of the ministry of defense office in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. The Israeli military has jailed Blanc for six months because of his opposition to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, in one of the most protracted cases by a conscientious objector in years. The refusal by 20-year-old Natan Blanc to serve in the military has shined a light on Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. It has also put the military in a delicate position as it tries to resolve the case, since releasing him could set an unwanted precedent while keeping him jailed could turn into a public relations debacle. Hebrew on signs read: “Natan Blanc political prisoner.” <AP Photo/Oded Balilty>