An Israeli woman has been fined by a religious court for refusing to circumcise her infant son.

The rabbinical court ruled last week that circumcision was for the child's welfare and that the woman must pay 500 shekels (£86) a day until the child has had the procedure. The woman told the court she refuses to physically harm her son.

The case is the first time a religious court in Israel has punished a parent for refusing to circumcise a child. There is no law requiring circumcision in Israel, but the vast majority of Jews are circumcised, in line with Jewish law. Rabbinical courts have authority over certain family matters.

The justice ministry, which is representing the mother, said on Thursday it would be likely appeal the case to Israel's supreme court.