Egypt's parliament authorizes defensive military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks

Parliament grants Sisi the mandate

Egypt's parliament approved on Monday, 26 October, a measure giving President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi special powers to order troops to Saudi Arabia for defence against Houthi attacks. The vote was held behind closed doors under speaker Hisham Badawi. The constitution requires a two-thirds majority for such a mandate, and Reuters, citing a parliamentary statement, reported that at least two-thirds of members backed it. The authority applies only if Riyadh asks for such help, and details of the possible scope were not initially known.

Sessions, postponements and opposition

Parliament met in closed sessions on 18 and 19 October at Sisi's request and postponed the vote twice before taking it up on 26 October. On 18 October the National Defense Council pledged to give the kingdom the support it needed to protect its security, stability and territorial integrity. The council also described Egypt's solidarity with Saudi Arabia as complete. The opposition Egyptian Social Democratic Party said its eleven MPs would abstain, complaining that information on goals, scope, duration and cost was missing and urging priority for diplomatic solutions. Public worry in Egypt about being drawn into the long Yemen conflict had driven the earlier delay.

Sisi's defensive framing

Sisi spoke on Wednesday, 21 October, at a government event titled "Egypt 2026 Forum". He said the aim was to defend the territory and borders of the kingdom, and of any other Arab state if Egypt is asked to help.

“The intention is to defend the territory and borders of the kingdom, and the territory of any other Arab state if Egypt is asked to.”

Sisi has also said the plan excludes attacks on Yemeni territory. A regional official briefed on the talks told AP that Egypt could use air defence systems and aircraft to intercept missiles and drones, and that no ground troops in Yemen were planned.

Houthi attacks and Egypt's earlier role

The Houthis have for weeks stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure, responding to coalition backing for a government offensive announced in early October. Reuters reported that the Houthis hit Riyadh's international airport and Saudi Aramco, disrupting flights and oil exports. The Houthis control the capital Sanaa, according to Reuters. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in March 2015, sending warships to secure Red Sea shipping and about 800 ground troops with a limited combat role. The Houthi-controlled parliament warned Cairo in an urgent letter that intervention would endanger Egypt's national security and the region's stability.

Mecca Pact and diplomacy

Egypt has not joined the Mecca Pact that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed in August. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said in October that Egypt was "seriously studying" joining, according to Reuters. Egypt has also been consulting the R4 group, which includes Riyadh, Islamabad and Ankara. Abdelatty said on Monday that he speaks with Iranian officials daily to lower tensions. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Cairo on 15 September to meet Sisi, and the two discussed Red Sea security. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman is due to travel to Tehran, according to Al Ikhbariya citing the Saudi foreign ministry, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating. Details of the scope, cost and duration of any Egyptian deployment had not been published when the vote was reported.