The latest remarks by Abdul-Mahdi and Sistani are likely to heighten Iraqi public anger against the United States and create political problems for the Iraqi government, which depends on the Americans for its security and survival.

Abdul-Mahdi made the comments during a memorial at the headquarters of the influential Shiite party, the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, marking the third anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim.

Al-Hakim, a revered cleric, died in an al-Qaida-linked car bomb attack in Najaf in 2003, and has since been considered a symbol of martyrdom.

President Jalal Talabani, a Sunni Kurd, also addressed the gathering, expressing "sympathy and support to our brothers in Lebanon against the Israeli aggression."

"We support them in getting rid of the effects of this aggression and imposing their sovereignty," Talabani said.

Anger over the Israeli offensive has united Shiites and Sunnis at a time of sectarian divisions here that has triggered a series of attacks and reprisal killings.

On Monday, about 200 people demonstrated in Sadr City in eastern Baghdad, waving Lebanese and Iraqi flags.

"Allah, Allah, grant victory to Hassan Nasrullah," the demonstrators, including women and children, shouted, referring to Hezbollah leader.