Appointment and distinguished career. On Wednesday, UN Secretary‐General António Guterres announced that Major General Diodato Abagnara of the Italian Army would assume command of UNIFIL, replacing Spain’s Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz.
- Abagnara, with over 36 years of service, has held senior posts within the Italian Armed Forces—including Personnel Division Chief, adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff, and Commander of an infantry brigade—and previously served as UNIFIL Sector West Commander from 2018 to 2019.
- Most recently, he chaired the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), overseeing the coordination of multinational efforts in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
- UNIFIL remains central to upholding the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, as its effectiveness is often credited with preventing renewed hostilities.
Government praises and strategic significance. Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, lauded the nomination as an “assignment of great responsibility in a crucial region and a recognition of Italy’s significant role within the international community during a period marked by tensions and crises.”
- Crosetto added, “Our country reaffirms itself as a guarantor of peace and security, strengthening its commitment to Middle East stability. Congratulations and best wishes to General Abagnara.”
Italian role in UNIFIL. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed this sentiment, calling the selection “a confirmation of Italy’s credibility” and the weight of its contribution to security in the Middle East.
- Since 2007, Italian generals have predominantly led UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, with only two interruptions: Ireland’s Major General Michael Baeyre from 2016 to 2018, and Spain’s Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, who assumed command in 2022.
- Italy is also among the principal troop‐contributing countries to UNIFIL, reflecting Rome’s ongoing commitment.
