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Israel DM Ya'alon clarifies his comments on US (updated)

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Ya’alon has called US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and clarified his earlier statement where he described the US as weak; Hagel responded by expressing concern over his remarks.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (L) listens as his Israeli counterpart Moshe Yaalon speaks during a joint news conference at Kirya base in Tel Aviv April 22, 2013. Israel suggested on Monday it would be patient before taking any military action against Iran's nuclear programme, saying during a visit by Hagel there was still time for other options. REUTERS/Jim Watson/Pool (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS) - RTXYVS7

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Ya’alon called US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Wednesday to clarify his remarks that described the US administration as projecting weakness and saying Israel should take matters into its own hands on Iran.

"My statements had no criticism or intent to hurt the US or the relationship with it," Ya’alon told Hagel in the Wednesday night call, Israeli media reported on Twitter late Wednesday. "The strategic ties between Israel and the United States are of high importance, as are personal ties and mutual interests."

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