Israeli President Shimon Peres was rushed to the hospital last night after he fainted on stage while speaking at an event in Tel Aviv. He regained consciousness shortly afterwards but is being held overnight for observation.

Peres was answering questions from the crowd after a talk on young leadership when he passed out yesterday, paramedics told Israeli media.

The 86-year-old regained consciousness on his own a few seconds later, they added.

Initially Peres refused to be taken to hospital but eventually agreed to go to Tel Hashomer hospital in Tel Aviv for a check up.

Dr Ari Shamis of the hospital told Channel 10 TV that the president would be held overnight for observation, adding that Peres was not in danger and that he had "spontaneously regained consciousness.