AP News, January 31st, 2007
An Israeli court convicted former Justice Minister Haim Ramon of forcibly kissing a young female soldier _ a case that riveted the country's attention and added another layer of scandal to Israel's beleaguered leadership.
The verdict was expected to clear the way for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to launch a major Cabinet shake up.
Ramon, 56, was charged with sexual misconduct after kissing the 18-year-old woman at a party at the Defense Ministry on the first day of Israel's war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon last summer. Ramon, who is divorced, said the woman had flirted with him and the kiss was consensual.
Ramon could face up to three years in prison. He is expected to appeal.
Ramon was a key political ally of the prime minister and served as Olmert's justice minister until the indictment forced him to step down last August. He had remained a member of parliament throughout his trial.
Ramon arrived to a chaotic scene at the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court. Hordes of reporters and TV cameras swarmed around him as he made his way to the small courtroom. With photographers snapping his picture, he sat stonefaced ahead of the verdict.
The conviction is expected to lead to a major reshuffle in the Israeli Cabinet, where Ramon's old job as justice minister is being temporarily held by the foreign minister, Tzipi Livni.
The shakeup could also cost Labor Party leader Amir Peretz his job as defense minister, with other politicians changing their portfolios. Peretz has been widely criticized for his handling of last summer's war against Hezbollah, and has poor relations with Olmert.
The case comes amid a spate of scandals involving Israeli leaders. Last week, Israel's attorney general said he planned to indict President Moshe Katsav on charges of raping and sexually assaulting former female employees. Katsav has taken a leave of absence, and this week vacated his official residence in Jerusalem, while he fights the charges.
Authorities have also launched a criminal investigation into Olmert's role in the government's sale of a controlling interest in a bank in 2005, when he was finance minister. Investigators suspect that Olmert tried to steer the bidding in favor of a supporter.
Tzahi Hanegbi, another prominent member of Olmert's Kadima party, has been indicted on charges of fraud, bribery and perjury in connection with appointments he made as a minister.
