Israeli defence chief wounds relations with U.S. ally

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* Moshe Yaalon k**wn in Israel for speaking his mind * U.S. calls his criticism unconstructive and confusing * Kerry phones Netanyahu to complain (Adds Hagel calls Yaalon over Iran remarks) By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM, March 20 (Reuters) - Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon is in hot water again with the United States for caustic criticism of his country's main ally that has put more strain on already testy relations with the Obama administration. And the hawkish former general, widely popular in Israel for being an apparent straight-shooter who does **t shy from speaking bluntly on issues of war and peace, seems reluctant to beat a full retreat from his tough words toward Washington. Issuing statements voicing regret at any offence he might have caused, Yaalon has **t backed away from the substance of a scathing personal attack in January on U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. In further criticism on Monday, Yaalon displayed deep disappointment with U.S. President Barack Obama's handling of burning world issues, and he has **t retracted his accusation that the world's strongest superpower is projecting weakness abroad.

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