El Sisi seeks parliamentary approval to defend Saudi Arabia if asked

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has urged parliament to convene an emergency session to authorize intervention in defending Saudi Arabia, should it be requested. This comes as Saudi Arabia faces attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen. The conflict escalated in July when the Houthis imposed a blockade on Saudi ports and annexed additional territory. In response, Saudi-led forces initiated a full-scale military campaign against the militia earlier this month, aiming to vanquish the group.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new military academy and college cadets, President El Sisi emphasized that the Egyptian government would require parliamentary approval to take action in defense of Saudi Arabia. He stated, "I call on parliament to convene an emergency session to authorize us to intervene in defense of Saudi Arabia if we are asked to do so.

This move and this defense require approval from the Egyptian parliament. I hope parliament will convene an emergency session to grant this authorization." El Sisi reiterated that the objective is not to attack or wage war, but solely to protect and defend.

Egypt stands firmly behind Saudi Arabia's efforts to safeguard its territory, promising to take any necessary measures to protect and defend its Gulf ally. In recent days, the Houthis launched a missile and drone attack on the presidential palace in Aden, the seat of Yemen's internationally-recognized government since 2015. The assault resulted in the injury and death of several security personnel.

The Houthis claim they were targeting a Saudi military command center in the city, potentially isolating Yemen's government from its primary backer and supplier by striking its airport.