Egypt’s parliament was scheduled to hold an emergency session on Sunday to consider authorising President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide defence assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh formally requests support, according to Egyptian state media.
The move follows el-Sisi’s statement on Saturday that Egypt would take necessary measures to protect Saudi Arabia amid escalating attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement. The president stressed that any such action would be defensive and would require parliamentary approval.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, el-Sisi said Egypt would not stand by if Saudi Arabia’s security and stability were threatened. He also emphasised that Cairo was not seeking to initiate hostilities against another country.
Parliament to Consider Presidential Request
Egypt’s House of Representatives announced that its plenary session would take place at 1 pm local time on Sunday, October 18, following the president’s request.
The proposed authorisation is conditional on Saudi Arabia seeking Egyptian assistance. The announcement of the session does not, by itself, mean that Egyptian troops have been deployed or that military intervention has begun.
The diplomatic and parliamentary developments come amid renewed fighting involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Saudi Arabia has reported attacks targeting strategic infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities. The escalation has raised concerns about regional security and the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea. <Cite refs={["turn521199search12","turn710683search8"]}/>
Egypt and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Security Coordination
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and economic relations. Cairo has repeatedly described Saudi security as closely linked to its own national security and has expressed support for protecting Gulf states and maintaining safe maritime navigation.
Egypt also participated in the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government. Its role has included a focus on maritime security and protecting shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The key question is whether Egypt’s parliament grants the requested authorisation and whether Saudi Arabia formally asks Cairo for assistance. Any subsequent military measures would need to be assessed against the scope of the authorisation and the details announced by the Egyptian and Saudi authorities.
