Former Israeli cabinet minister guilty in kiss case

JERUSALEM, Jan 31 (Reuters) An Israeli court today convicted former Justice Minister Haim Ramon of sexual harassment of a female soldier, one of several scandals that have cast shadows over Israeli leaders, a court official said.

The guilty verdict in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court was unlikely to have a direct impact on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's political fortunes. Political sources said he would reshuffle his cabinet now that his Kadima party colleague would not be returning to office.

Ramon resigned in August after he was indicted on charges he had forcibly kissed the soldier after posing for a picture with her at her request at the prime minister's bureau, where she was stationed. He said she initiated the kiss.

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