Ramon submits letter of resignation

Mazuz charges Ramon with committing an indecent act without consent.

By DAN IZENBERG, GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
mazuz 248.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
mazuz 248.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Justice Minister Haim Ramon submitted his letter of resignation from the cabinet on Sunday night, which was expected to take effect within 48 hours. Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz filed an indictment against Ramon on Sunday afternoon, charging the outgoing minister with committing an indecent act against a female soldier who was working for a government ministry. For a Jerusalem Online video of events click here Earlier, Ramon had forfeited his parliamentary immunity. Ramon has asked Mazuz to see to it that the trial begins immediately and that the hearings are held continuously so the procedure will end quickly. The alleged incident took place on July 12. The woman, identified as "Heh," charged that while the two were alone, Ramon used force to kiss her on the lips and insert his tongue into her mouth. Ramon's aides say the woman flirted with him and gave him her phone number after the alleged incident. Sources in the Prime Minister's Office said a temporary replacement for Ramon would be appointed on Tuesday, when his resignation takes effect. They said there were only two candidates for the position: Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Construction and Housing Minister Meir Sheetrit. Interior Minister Roni Bar-On, who had been mentioned as a candidate, will not receive the post because Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decided that he wanted it to go to a former justice minister. Bar-On is among the closest ministers to Olmert, but the prime minister decided the rebuilding of the North required a full-time interior minister.