Press Release

Joint Statement of United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander

26 January 2025

  • Beirut, 26 January 2025 -- Below is a Joint Statement of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert,and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro

 

Much has changed in Lebanon since the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding came into force in the early hours of 27 November 2024.

Violence has dramatically decreased. In many areas of southern Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to return to their towns and villages. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have shown resolve in deploying to positions from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing. Supported by UNIFIL, the LAF is helping to restore services and facilitating humanitarian access to communities most affected by conflict. 

Moreover, the ongoing government formation process, following the election of a president and the designation of a prime minister, is a critical step in building trust between Lebanese citizens and the State. These developments also augur well for prospective support to the full extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory and for the country’s recovery, reconstruction and growth. 

The fact is that the timelines envisaged in the November Understanding have not been met. As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line. Displaced communities, already facing a long road to recovery and reconstruction, are therefore once again being called on to exercise caution. Also, violations of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) continue to be recorded daily.

Compliance by both parties with their obligations under the November Understanding and the full implementation of resolution 1701 constitute the only way to bring closure to the recent, dark chapter of conflict and open a new one, heralding security, stability and prosperity on both sides of the Blue Line. The United Nations continues to engage all actors towards this end and remains ready to support any action consistent with resolution 1701 and the efforts of the Implementation Mechanism to achieve the objectives of the November Understanding. 

With so much at stake for both Lebanon and Israel, recommitment is urgently needed from all sides.

 

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

UNSCOL
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is the current UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon. She brings to this position over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international security and Middle East affairs. Prior to taking up her position in Lebanon, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI (2018-2024). Previously she was Minister of Defense of the Netherlands (2012-2017), a member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (2010-2012), and a member of the European Parliament (2004-2010). Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also worked for the European Commission in Belgium and Latvia, as well as for the City of Amsterdam and in the private sector. She is proficient in English, French and German and is a native Dutch speaker.

Major General Diodato Abagnara

Major General Diodato Abagnara

UNIFIL
Head of Mission and Force Commander
Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy was appointed Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL on 24 June 2025. He brings over 30 years of military leadership, including key roles with UNIFIL, NATO, and the Italian Army. He previously served as Commander of UNIFIL Sector West and led multinational coordination for Lebanon. Domestically, he held senior posts including Personnel Division Chief and Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff. He has championed inclusive leadership and chaired Italy’s Joint Gender Perspective Council. He holds advanced degrees in Political Science, Law, and Strategic Studies, and speaks Italian and English fluently.

UN entities involved in this initiative

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
UNSCOL
Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon

Goals we are supporting through this initiative