Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who railed on his US counterpart George W. Bush at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, turned out to be revered by Hezbollah Shiite militias in Lebanon, AFP reported.

"Thank you, Chávez," read huge placards posted by activists across the suburbs in southern Beirut. Last July and August, this place suffered heavy shelling from the Israeli aviation.

In these humble barrios, where Hezbollah dictates law and order, there was a big party to proclaim the victory of the militia over the Israeli state.

The pictures depict Chávez wearing a red vest and with his fist lifted. They also ask to judge Israel for "its crimes" during the 34-day incursion into Hezbollah, resulting in 1,200 casualties in Lebanon.