Politics
Egypt’s parliament on Monday approved a request by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia and take necessary measures to defend the kingdom.
Egypt’s parliament on Monday approved a request by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia and take necessary measures to defend the kingdom. According to Egypt’s state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram, the parliament authorized the president to take the necessary steps to support and defend Saudi Arabia.
According to Reuters, the decision came amid an increase in attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthi movement. President el-Sisi had asked parliament to authorize Egypt to take measures to protect Saudi territory and borders if Riyadh requested military assistance. Reuters reported that el-Sisi sought parliamentary approval last week, arguing that Egypt was prepared to help defend Saudi Arabia’s territory and borders. He emphasized that the purpose would be to defend Saudi Arabia, not to attack Yemen.
On October 21, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi clarified that any potential Egyptian military assistance would be intended to defend Saudi territory and borders rather than launch an attack on Yemen. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also said parliamentary approval was required before military personnel or equipment could be sent abroad for defensive purposes. However, the Egyptian government has not yet specified how many troops would be deployed if Saudi Arabia submitted a formal request, what form the assistance would take, or how long it would last.
Abdelatty had previously stated that Egypt supported the defense of Saudi Arabia while remaining committed to diplomatic efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. According to Egypt’s position, protecting Saudi territory and borders would be the primary objective, rather than conducting offensive operations against Yemen.
The Egyptian parliament’s approval comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in Yemen between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. According to Reuters, Houthi attacks in recent weeks have heightened concerns about the security of key Saudi locations and energy infrastructure. Reports have indicated attacks targeting Riyadh’s international airport and sites associated with Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco. These incidents have raised concerns not only about Saudi Arabia’s security but also about oil shipments and the safety of maritime routes across the region. The Houthi movement in Yemen is backed by Iran, while Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The escalation of the conflict has raised concerns that the involvement of additional countries could widen the regional confrontation.
Under Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution, parliamentary approval is required before the armed forces can be deployed abroad on a combat mission. The process requires consultation with the National Defense Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the parliament’s total membership. The Egyptian parliament held closed-door meetings on October 18 and 19 to discuss the matter, but voting was postponed following the initial consultations. The president’s request was subsequently approved at a session on October 26. Members of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party had previously called for further clarification regarding the proposed military mission’s objectives, duration, costs and potential risks to Egyptian troops. While supporting solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the party expressed concern about the risks of an open-ended military intervention.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have maintained close political, defense and economic relations for decades. Saudi Arabia has supported Egypt through financial assistance, deposits at the Egyptian central bank and energy supplies. According to Reuters, these ties play an important role in Cairo’s regional policy. Egypt also participated in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in March 2015. At the time, its contribution primarily involved naval support, deploying warships to help protect shipping in the Red Sea and offering air support. Reuters reported that approximately 800 Egyptian ground troops were also deployed, although Egypt’s direct combat role remained limited. The latest parliamentary authorization for military assistance to Saudi Arabia represents an important policy step for Egypt, as it could pave the way for Cairo to play a more direct role in a regional conflict.
The defense of Saudi Arabia has implications beyond bilateral relations, potentially affecting the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, making it a vital route for international maritime trade. Insecurity along this passage could disrupt shipping through the Red Sea, affecting Egypt’s revenue from the Suez Canal and global commercial transportation. According to Reuters, Houthi advances and threats to maritime routes have increased security and economic concerns for Egypt as well. For this reason, Cairo is supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense while also emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
In August 2026, Saudi Arabia signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye. Egypt did not join the agreement, although Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that the possibility of joining was being seriously considered. Egypt’s parliamentary authorization for measures to defend Saudi Arabia comes at a time when regional countries, including Pakistan and Türkiye, are also maintaining contacts over efforts to reduce tensions and explore opportunities for defense cooperation.
Despite approving military assistance, Egypt has maintained its support for a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. Egyptian officials say defensive measures and diplomatic initiatives should proceed simultaneously to safeguard regional security. Following parliamentary approval, a key question is what form of assistance Egypt would provide if Saudi Arabia submitted a formal request and whether it would include the deployment of troops. No definitive details have been announced so far. Egypt’s future role could affect Saudi Arabia’s security, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea. However, the practical consequences will depend on subsequent decisions and diplomatic developments across the region.
