Egypt's pledge to support Saudi Arabia against Houthis: What's on the table?

Egypt has pledged to assist Saudi Arabia in its defense against Houthi attacks originating from Yemen, a move that has garnered support from the nation and its allies, but has also prompted calls for caution due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war. The specifics of any military involvement remain ambiguous, as parliament has yet to provide a definitive answer.

The process to approve the request involves a two-thirds majority in the 596-member House, or 398 votes, which the four main pro-government parties collectively hold. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, as the supreme commander of the armed forces, would require parliamentary approval before deploying troops, but this approval alone does not guarantee deployment.

The National Defence Council, chaired by El Sisi, declared full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and pledged all necessary and possible forms of support. The pledge came after El Sisi emphasized the inconceivability of Egypt allowing the security of its ally to be compromised, urging parliament to authorize action if requested. The support has been largely pro-government, with the main parties endorsing the request, albeit without specifying the nature, scale, or duration of the support.

Despite the enthusiasm, some MPs seek further clarification on the mission's objectives, duration, and geographical scope before voting. The debate in Egypt encompasses a spectrum of views, from those who see the move as purely defensive, citing the economic impact of Houthi attacks on the Red Sea and the importance of Saudi financial support for Egypt, to others who advocate for restraint, emphasizing the need for clear objectives and safeguards.