Egypt’s parliament authorizes military support for Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks

Egypt's parliament has authorized its military to assist Saudi Arabia in defending against escalating attacks by the Houthis, a move that could see Cairo more deeply entangled in the regional conflict. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had requested the parliamentary approval to defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requests assistance against the Houthi threat, whose advances pose a danger to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.

The House of Representatives approved authorizing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take the necessary measures to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Egypt, the Arab world's most populous state with a vast military, has not directly engaged in combat or joined the Makkah mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

However, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has considered joining the pact. Egypt has a history of supporting Saudi Arabia in Yemen's war, including sending warships to secure Red Sea shipping lanes and deploying around 800 ground troops, though their combat role was limited. The recent escalation of fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi militia, which controls Sanaa, has intensified, impacting Saudi Arabia's oil exports and prompting concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Abdelatty and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to deliver a letter from Sisi, stating that Egypt's support would focus on defending Saudi territory and borders, not attacking Yemen. Cairo is also exploring all diplomatic avenues to resolve the Yemen conflict.