Israeli justice minister faces possible harassment charge

Israel’s justice minister, a top ally of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, faces possible indictment on sexual harassment charges, in a new blow to a government that emerged politically weakened this week from a 34-day war against Lebanese guerrillas

The attorney general warned Justice Minister Haim Ramon yesterday that he is considering an indictment. Ramon is suspected of forcibly kissing an 18-year-old female soldier during a farewell party at a government office. The incident allegedly took place July 12, the day the war erupted.

Ramon is the latest among a string of top Israeli officials to be targeted in investigations.

Israel’s State Comptroller is looking into a Jerusalem property deal involving Olmert. President Moshe Katsav has been accused by a former employee of sexual harassment, though no charges have been filed. Tzahi Hanegbi of Kadima, the chairman of parliament’s influential Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, was informed earlier this week he would be charged with fraud, bribery and perjury.

Ramon, 56, who maintained his innocence, said he would decide on Sunday whether to waive a right to a special hearing before an indictment is issued. Legal analysts said Attorney General Meni Mazuz was unlikely to change his mind even if Ramon asks for a hearing.

Ramon and the soldier have offered conflicting versions of the incident, which lasted a few seconds.

Mazuz said he had little choice but to proceed. “When the complainant’s testimony is consistent and perceived to be credible, and is supported by other testimony, there is no choice but to file an indictment and bring the case to be settled in court,” he said in a statement.

If indicted, Ramon will most likely not be able to remain in his Cabinet post.

Ramon, a leading member of the ruling Kadima Party, is considered a key Olmert ally and one of the biggest supporters of a plan to unilaterally withdraw from much of the West Bank by 2010.

“I am certain of my innocence, and I will prove it in court, “ Ramon said in a statement.