Egypt’s parliament is scheduled to hold an emergency session this Sunday to deliberate on a proposal from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi regarding potential military support for Saudi Arabia. The request for legislative approval follows a series of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Saudi territory, which have targeted critical infrastructure including the capital, Riyadh, as well as several airports and oil installations.
President el-Sisi, speaking on Saturday, emphasized his intention to ensure the protection of Saudi Arabia, stating that he hopes for parliamentary authorization to proceed with necessary measures. On Sunday, the National Defence Council confirmed its full support for the kingdom, pledging to assist in safeguarding its territorial integrity, resources, and significant religious sites. Under Egyptian law, the President requires approval from at least two-thirds of the House of Representatives to deploy military forces on foreign missions.
The push for closer security coordination is driven by both strategic and economic imperatives. Analysts note that Saudi security is viewed as integral to Egyptian interests. Beyond the traditional security alliance, Cairo is grappling with the economic fallout of the Houthi conflict; Houthi activities near the Bab al-Mandeb strait have reportedly cost the Suez Canal approximately $11 billion in revenue since 2023. Furthermore, the safety of millions of Egyptian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia remains a primary concern for the administration following reported casualties at Riyadh's airport.
The conflict in Yemen continues to intensify, with recent reports indicating Saudi-led coalition air raids in Hodeidah and ongoing drone interceptions near Riyadh and the kingdom's Eastern provinces. While Saudi-backed forces are currently engaged in active combat on fronts such as Marib and Taiz, experts suggest that while ground forces may reclaim territory, neutralizing missile threats launched from mountainous regions remains a significant tactical challenge.
Egypt’s potential military role would represent a shift from its existing involvement in multilateral maritime frameworks to a more direct bilateral commitment. Previously, Egypt has participated in the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition launched in July to protect Red Sea shipping lanes. Cairo also maintains a history of cooperation with Riyadh, including contributions to a 2015 coalition and participation in joint military exercises held in 2024. However, analysts suggest the current proposal seeks broader authorization to defend Saudi soil directly.
Despite the potential for increased military engagement, President el-Sisi has been explicit in characterizing the proposed assistance as strictly defensive. He stated clearly that the initiative is not intended to initiate attacks or fight external parties, but rather to ensure the safety and stability of a long-standing regional partner. Experts anticipate that if approved, the aid would likely focus on specialized capabilities such as counter-drone technology and missile defense systems.
As the regional security situation remains fluid, Cairo’s move is also seen as a signal of its commitment to the Mecca defence pact signed in August. With other regional powers like Turkey and Pakistan already making pledges, Egypt seeks to ensure it remains a central pillar in the collective effort to manage the deteriorating security situation. The parliamentary vote on Sunday will be the deciding factor in how Egypt manages its formal military posture toward the Houthi threat moving forward.
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