ANALYSIS: Israel avoids spat with Obama over Hagel

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Mark Wilson / Getty Images fileDefense nominee Chuck Hagel is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. By Jim Maceda, Correspondent, NBC NewsANALYSIS



TEL AVIV, Israel -- Even before he was nominated to become the next U.S. 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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