Ex-Israeli Official Convicted Of Sex Crime

Former Justice Minister Accused Of Kissing Female Soldier Against Her Will

(CBS/AP) 
Ramon, a member of Olmert's Kadima Party, was a key political ally of the prime minister and served as justice minister until the indictment forced him to step down last August. He has remained a member of parliament.

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 stone-faced ahead of the verdict.

As the half-hour verdict was read, a visibly anxious Ramon held his head in his hands. After the decision, his girlfriend hugged him in support.

The verdict said Ramon's defense was full of contradictions, and said it was obvious the young soldier was "authentic and trustworthy" and had suffered a "traumatic experience."

"We completely endorse the plaintiff's version," it said.

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 shake-up 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.

Katsav's attorneys reacted to the eviction notice with anger, saying he was being intentionally humiliated by Attorney General Meni Mazuz, who said last week that he planned to charge Katsav with a series of crimes stemming from his treatment of female subordinates.

According to his lawyers, Katsav has not stayed in the president's residence in Jerusalem since parliament granted his request for a temporary leave of absence last week, returning there briefly Monday to organize his belongings. He has been staying at his private home in Kiryat Malachi in southern Israel.

Mazuz has not made a final decision yet on whether to indict Katsav.

The cases come amid a spate of scandals involving Israeli leaders. Authorities also have 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.

Legal analyst Moshe Goral said that given the relatively minor charge in Ramon's case, Wednesday's verdict could be a sign of trouble for the other politicians. "It does not bode well for all the others," he said, noting that Ramon's credibility was "completely destroyed."

[bluestardad]

How is this in any way in America's interest?

[random_radar]

If you value your career, don't have do anything sexual with anyone you aren't married too. It can and will be used against you.

That's not moralizing, that's practical reality. Just look at all the people who have been destroyed by their sexual escapades. And most of them incorrectly thought their confidence would be kept.

[legendary240]

They must all idolize Clinton and Kennedy over there.