This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6316563.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Olmert ally loses harassment case Olmert ally loses harassment case
(about 1 hour later)
An Israeli court has found a former justice minister guilty of sexual harassment, a verdict which is likely trigger a cabinet reshuffle. An Israeli court has found former Justice Minister Haim Ramon guilty of sexually harassing a female soldier.
Haim Ramon resigned in August following accusations he forcibly kissed a young female soldier visiting his office. Ramon resigned in August over charges that he forcibly kissed the young woman when she visited his office after completing military service.
He had denied indecent assault, insisting the kiss last July - minutes before a cabinet vote on whether to wage war in Lebanon - was consensual. The incident happened on 12 July 2006, minutes before a cabinet vote on whether to wage war in Lebanon.
Ramon could face up to three years in jail. He is expected to appeal. The ruling by a Tel Aviv court is expected to trigger a reshuffle in Israel's beleaguered government.
The soldier, known as H, complained that 56-year-old Ramon hugged and kissed her against her will at a party in his office. This was not a kiss of affection. This has all the elements of sexual crime Judge Hayuta Kochan
Ramon admitted kissing H, but said it was the outcome of flirtation initiated by her. H was photographed embracing him before the alleged harassment. Ramon - who now faces up to three years' jail - had been vowing to return to cabinet if cleared in a case that has riveted attention of the Israeli public. His portfolio is being temporarily handled by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, a rising star in Israeli political circles.
Correspondent say the verdict at a Tel Aviv magistrates court increases the likelihood of a government shake-up, something Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been contemplating since the inconclusive conflict in Lebanon against Hezbollah guerrillas. Correspondent say Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been contemplating a reshuffle since last year.
But the case against Ramon, a close ally of Mr Olmert, is unlikely to have a direct impact on the prime minister's fortunes. Public approval for his government plunged in the wake of the inconclusive Summer 2006 conflict against Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.
His portfolio was taken by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni after his resignation. Lines crossed
Attention in a possible reshuffle is focused on the position of defence minister, currently held by Amir Peretz. The female soldier, known simply as H, is thought to be in her early 20s.
She complained that Ramon, 56 and divorced, hugged and kissed her against her will at a party in his office, at one point forcing his tongue into her mouth.
The three-judge panel was unanimous in its opinion on a case.
"There are some lines that cannot be crossed," said Judge Hayuta Kochan reading out the verdict.
"This was not a kiss of affection. This has all the elements of sexual crime."
Ramon admitted the kiss, but said it was the outcome of flirtation initiated by H. The two were photographed embracing before the indecent assault.
He left the court without making a statement. Sentencing is scheduled for 21 February. He has 45 days to lodge an appeal.
The case is one of several involving allegations of wrongdoing by senior Israeli political figures, including the prime minister himself.
President Moshe Katsav faces indictment on charges of rape and other sexual offences.