Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy was appointed as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 24 June 2025.

An accomplished leader, Major General Abagnara brings extensive experience with UNIFIL and south Lebanon to his role. Prior to his appointment, he served as Commander and Chairman of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (2024-2025), where he oversaw multinational coordination efforts in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He previously served with UNIFIL as Sector West Commander (2018-2019) and Italian Battalion Commander (2008-2009). During these deployments, he built strong relationships with local communities and developed a deep understanding of the operational situation in the south.

Major General Abagnara began his career in 1988 as an Armoured Cavalry Officer in the Italian Army. Over more than three decades, he has held a range of leadership positions both at home and abroad. In Italy, he served as Personnel Division Chief and Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of an infantry brigade, and Chief of the Officers’ Employment Office. He also chaired the Joint Gender Perspective Council within the Defence General Staff, underscoring his commitment to inclusive leadership. Internationally, he led Italian units during several NATO missions in the Balkans, contributing to multinational stabilization and peacekeeping efforts.

Highly educated, Major General Abagnara holds advanced degrees in Political Science, Strategic Studies, Law, and International and Diplomatic Sciences. He is fluent in Italian and English.