Netanyahu's strongman image boosts ratings, countering U.S. rift

* Israel holds election on March 17 * Right-wing prime minister seeking fourth term * Netanyahu seen as strong on defence * But report into spending of public funds looms By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Israeli voters' security concerns have boosted Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity in the past month, helping him to skirt criticism of a widened rift with the White House as he aims for a fourth election success. The same monthly opinion poll, conducted on Sunday and published in the