Egyptian parliament authorizes Sisi to offer Saudi Arabia defensive military support, barring strikes in Yemen and requiring Riyadh’s request before deployment

Egypt’s House of Representatives approved a measure on October 26 authorizing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to provide military support to Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks. The measure limits any deployment to defensive operations on Saudi territory and rules out offensive strikes inside Yemen. The decision follows recent Houthi strikes targeting Saudi energy infrastructure and Riyadh’s international airport amid renewed regional tensions.

Under Article 152 of Egypt’s constitution, a deployment requires consultation with the National Defence Council and approval by a two-thirds majority in parliament. Lawmakers reached that threshold after previously postponing a decision to allow further debate. Possible assistance includes air and missile defense systems, drone interception, intelligence sharing, logistical support and naval operations to protect Saudi coastal areas and commercial shipping.

Some lawmakers, including members of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, abstained, citing insufficient information about the risks, costs and objectives. Sisi has described the proposed mission as entirely defensive and aimed at protecting Saudi sovereignty and regional security, while reiterating that Cairo will not take part in attacks inside Yemen.

The parliamentary approval removes domestic legal hurdles to Sisi committing forces, but any deployment remains contingent on a formal request from Riyadh and further bilateral coordination. The Houthis have warned Egypt against entering the conflict, while Cairo continues to call for a political settlement in Yemen.