Egypt’s parliament has authorized President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take all necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia’s defense, following a series of escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi territory. The decision, approved on Monday after several postponed votes and rare closed-door sessions, could bring Cairo more directly into the ongoing regional conflict, according to lawmakers and local media.
The parliamentary vote came after el-Sisi requested formal authorization last week to allow Egypt’s military to assist Saudi Arabia if Riyadh called for help. The measure passed with the backing of at least two-thirds of the chamber, according to a parliamentary statement cited by Reuters. Lawmakers said the approval is specifically limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, not to conducting offensive operations inside Yemen.
The move follows a sharp escalation in Houthi attacks targeting key Saudi infrastructure, including strikes on Riyadh’s international airport and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned oil company. These attacks have disrupted flights and oil exports, raising concerns about the security of the region’s energy supplies and the stability of vital trade routes, such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.
According to Reuters, the parliamentary vote was delayed twice as Egyptian officials, including Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, traveled to Riyadh to deliver a letter from el-Sisi to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In the letter, Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to defending Saudi Arabia but emphasized that its support would not extend to offensive operations against Yemen.
Egyptian officials have continued to call for a diplomatic resolution to the Yemen conflict, with Foreign Minister Abdelatty stating that Cairo is committed to exploring “every opportunity” for peace. However, the recent intensification of Houthi attacks has increased pressure on regional allies to respond, particularly as the conflict threatens the security of international shipping lanes and energy exports.
Saudi Arabia is a key political and financial partner for Egypt, providing billions of dollars in aid and energy supplies in recent years. The two countries have maintained close ties, particularly in the context of the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The escalation in Yemen has also become entangled with broader regional tensions, as the conflict is seen as a volatile front in the ongoing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The latest attacks have heightened fears of a wider confrontation that could impact global oil markets and regional security.
It remains unclear whether or when Egypt will deploy military assets to Saudi Arabia, as officials have stressed that any action would depend on a direct request from Riyadh. For now, Egypt’s parliament has signaled its readiness to act in defense of its Gulf ally while continuing to advocate for a negotiated settlement to the Yemen conflict.
The image accompanying this article is an AI-generated illustrative depiction inspired by the actual scene of the event.
