Analysis: Israel avoids public spat over Hagel

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Mark Wilson / Getty Images fileDefense nominee Chuck Hagel is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. ANALYSIS

By Jim Maceda, Correspondent, NBC NewsTEL AVIV, Israel -- Even before he was nominated to become the next US Secretary of Defense, the bad-mouthing of former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel had already begun.

Warnings flew like salvos across the US media and beyond: Hagel is soft on Iran, and no friend of Israel. Tea Party and Republican critics of the moderate and pragmatic Hagel smelled blood.

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