Since Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip began, Venezuela's president has openly and strongly criticized Israel and the United States for what he labeled the 'holocaust' of the Palestinian people; his outspoken rhetoric has turned him into a hero for the Arabs resisting occupation. Venezuelan flags and portraits of Hugo Chavez have been flying high during protests across the Middle East, with people in Lebanon, Jordan and across the Palestinian territories showing their support for the left-wing South American leader.
Chavez's portrait took centre stage at protests in the Lebanese capital Beirut last week when demonstrators raised his portrait with a slogan directed at Arab leaders that read: "This is what real men are like."
Chavez's decision on Jan. 6 to expel Israel's ambassador from Caracas -- the only country apart from Mauritania to take such a step -- coupled with his outspoken criticism of the situation in Gaza have made him a hero as the Arab public feel their leaders have let them down.