JERUSALEM (Reuters):

An Israeli court ruled yesterday that former Justice Minister Haim Ramon kissed a woman soldier against her will, convicting him of sexual misconduct in one of several scandals casting shadows on Israeli leaders.

The guilty verdict was unlikely to have a direct impact on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's political fortunes, but officials said he was expected to reshuffle his cabinet now that his Kadima party colleague would not be returning.

Ramon, 56, resigned from the government in August after he was indicted.