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Israeli ex-minister awaits ruling Olmert ally loses harassment case
(40 minutes later)
An Israeli court is due to rule in a sexual harassment case against a former Justice Minister Haim Ramon. An Israeli court has found a former justice minister guilty of sexual harassment, a verdict which is likely trigger a cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Ramon resigned in August following accusations he forcibly kissed a young female soldier visiting his office. Haim Ramon resigned in August following accusations he forcibly kissed a young female soldier visiting his office.
He denies indecent behaviour, and insists the kiss on 12 July - minutes before a cabinet vote on whether to wage war in Lebanon - was consensual. He had denied indecent assault, insisting the kiss last July - minutes before a cabinet vote on whether to wage war in Lebanon - was consensual.
Correspondents say that a guilty verdict against Mr Ramon could trigger a reshuffle of the Israeli cabinet. Ramon could face up to three years in jail. He is expected to appeal.
The popularity of the government has declined since the conflict, amid several corruption cases. The soldier, known as H, complained that 56-year-old Ramon hugged and kissed her against her will at a party in his office.
The soldier, known as H, complained that 56-year-old Mr Ramon hugged and kissed her against her will at a party in his office. Ramon admitted kissing H, but said it was the outcome of flirtation initiated by her. H was photographed embracing him before the alleged harassment.
Mr Ramon admits kissing H, but said it was the outcome of flirtation initiated by her. H was photographed embracing him before the alleged harassment. 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 the verdict will determine a government shake-up that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been contemplating ever since the conflict, against guerrillas from the Lebanese militant and political movement Hezbollah. But the case against Ramon, a close ally of Mr Olmert, is unlikely to have a direct impact on the prime minister's fortunes.
His portfolio was taken by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni after his resignation.
Attention in a possible reshuffle is focused on the position of defence minister, currently held by Amir Peretz.Attention in a possible reshuffle is focused on the position of defence minister, currently held by Amir Peretz.