Sisi says Egypt will ‘defend Saudi territory’ but will not attack Yemen

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Wednesday that Egypt's proposed military support for Saudi Arabia is aimed at defending Saudi territory and borders, not attacking Yemen. This statement was made during a government event titled Egypt Forum 2026. Sisi emphasized the need to prevent further instability in other countries and restore stability to regions that have lost it.

He had asked parliament to authorize support for Saudi Arabia in its war with the Houthis, if requested. However, the parliament, dominated by supporters of Sisi, has postponed deliberations until next week following two secret sessions.

Saudi Arabia has been under intense Houthi attacks, which have forced Riyadh to close its main airport and postpone a major investment conference. The kingdom's oil exports are also threatened by a Houthi maritime blockade. In response, Saudi Arabia has sought support from its allies, including France and the UK, which have both pledged to assist in defending key oil terminals and military installations.

Egypt's involvement in the conflict has not been without dissent, with some parliamentarians demanding clear information on any potential deployment and an assessment of the risks to Egyptian soldiers. The prospect of direct military involvement in Yemen is unpopular in Egypt, where memories of the country's disastrous intervention in the North Yemen civil war in the 1960s remain fresh. That mission, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, resulted in the deaths of thousands of soldiers.

Since 2015, Egypt has been a member of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, contributing naval and air forces and deploying warships to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. However, Egypt has since adopted a more conservative foreign policy, prioritizing its own national security and positioning itself as a regional mediator with open channels of communication across conflict lines. Foreign Minister Abdelatty has emphasized that Egypt's foreign policy is defined by wisdom and strategic balance.