Former Israeli justice minister guilty of forcibly kissing soldier

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 shakeup.

Ramon, 56, was charged with sexual misconduct after kissing the 18-year-old woman at a party at the Defence 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. He was surrounded by reporters and TV cameras as he made his way to the small courtroom. With photographers snapping his picture, he sat stone-faced ahead of the verdict.

Cabinet shuffle expected

The conviction is expected to lead to a major shuffle in the Israeli cabinet, where Ramon's old job as justice minister is being temporarily held byForeign Minister Tzipi Livni.

The shakeup could also cost Labour party leader Amir Peretz his job as defence minister, with other politicians changing their portfolios. Peretz has been widely criticized for his handling of last summer's war against the Lebanese-based militant groupHezbollah, 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 Jerusalemas hefights 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 favour 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.