Israel's minister for justice resigns

Israel’s minister for justice, a close ally of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, today announced he was resigning to clear the way for a trial on charges of sexual harassment.

Haim Ramon announced his decision a day after the attorney general said he intended to indict the justice minister following allegations that he forcibly kissed an 18-year-old female soldier in a government office.

Ramon decided to waive his right to a special hearing before the indictment is issued.