CAIRO — Egypt's House of Representatives has convened an emergency closed-door session to debate authorizing President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide direct military support to Saudi Arabia, including the possible deployment of defensive forces if requested by Riyadh.
Lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on Monday following an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council chaired by President Sisi.
The parliamentary session comes amid heightened regional tensions after a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement targeted Saudi Arabia. The latest strike, on October 10, hit Riyadh airport, killing 13 people, including an Egyptian flight attendant.
Constitutional Approval Required
Under Article 152 of Egypt's Constitution, the president cannot deploy Egyptian armed forces on combat or defensive missions outside the country's borders without first consulting the National Defence Council and securing approval from at least two-thirds of Parliament.
On Sunday, Sisi chaired an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Ashraf Zaher, Parliamentary Speaker Hisham Badawy and senior intelligence officials.
Following the meeting, the council pledged what it described as "all necessary and possible support" to safeguard Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and the security of Islam's holy sites.
Sisi: Egypt's Role Would Be Defensive
President Sisi said any Egyptian military involvement would be defensive in nature and contingent upon an official request from Saudi Arabia.
"It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed... We do not want to fight or attack anyone. We will only defend Saudi Arabia," Sisi said.
Houthis Warn Against Intervention
The move drew a swift response from the Houthi-controlled parliament in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which warned Cairo against any military involvement in the conflict.
The body said Egyptian intervention would represent a significant escalation and could pose risks to Egypt's own national security.
Regional Stakes
Saudi Arabia remains one of Egypt's closest strategic and economic partners, providing financial support and energy cooperation that Cairo considers vital to regional stability.
Security concerns in the Red Sea have also become increasingly important for Egypt, as repeated attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have disrupted shipping traffic and affected revenues from the Suez Canal.
The debate also comes amid evolving regional security partnerships, following the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in August.
If Parliament grants approval, President Sisi would have the legal authority to coordinate defensive military assistance—including air defence assets, logistics support or troop deployments—should Saudi Arabia formally request Egypt's assistance.