At a gathering organised by Father Gabriel Naddaf, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded Christian soldiers who fully integrate with Israeli society. Netanyahu said, ‘We are brothers in arms. I commend you for the will to be full partners in contributing to defending this nation.’ Netanyahu noted that it was not always easy for Arabic-speaking Christians to so fully join themselves to Israel, but vowed ‘We will firmly support you against all that would harass you. - Christians are suffering in the Middle East.’ The Israeli leader recalled the recent shrinkage and disappearance of entire Christian communities that were in the region since the birth of Christianity. He insisted that all who criticise Israel and work toward the birth of a Palestinian state (that would most likely fall to Hamas) must compare this larger  situation to Israel, the only nation in the region where the Christian population is growing.