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Israel's justice minister Haim Ramon announced Friday he will resign, clearing the way for him to stand trial on accusations he sexually harassed an 18-year-old female soldier. (AP)
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| By Associated Press August 21, 2006 |
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Israel's justice minister handed in his resignation late Sunday, Israeli media reported, two days after he said he would step down to face accusations that he forcibly kissed an 18-year-old female soldier.
The departure of Haim Ramon was the latest setback for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has been under intense criticism over his government's handling of the fighting war in Lebanon. Ramon has been a key Olmert ally and one of the biggest and most influential supporters of a plan to unilaterally withdraw from much of the West Bank by 2010.
Ramon said he would resign on Friday after Israel's attorney general announced plans to indict him on an indecent assault charge. Media reports said he submitted a letter of resignation on Sunday, and he did not attend the weekly meeting of the Cabinet meeting. A replacement has not yet been named.
Ramon, 56, is suspected of forcibly kissing the soldier during a farewell party at a government office. The incident allegedly took place July 12, the day the war erupted. Ramon has waived his parliamentary immunity in the case.
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 Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee, was informed earlier this week he would be charged with fraud, bribery and perjury.
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