Egypt’s parliament approves military support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Egypt’s parliament on Monday authorised President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide military assistance to defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests help, following a wave of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.

The House of Representatives said the decision passed with the required two-thirds majority. It allows el-Sisi, in coordination with Riyadh, to take measures to protect Saudi territory, sovereignty and holy sites against external attacks.

Parliament’s statement did not specify what assistance Egypt would provide or announce that troops were being sent.

On 17 October, Yahya al-Raei, speaker of the Houthi-controlled parliament in Sanaa, warned Egypt against military involvement, saying it would endanger Egypt’s own security and stability.

El-Sisi said last week that any Egyptian military role would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, ruling out attacks on Yemen.

The vote came as Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman joined Pakistani and Turkish officials for talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran. The Saudi foreign ministry said the visit aimed to open channels for negotiations and prevent further military escalation.

Approval after three closed sessions

El-Sisi first sought parliament’s backing on 17 October. MPs met behind closed doors on 18 and 19 October before postponing the decision until Monday.

Deputy Speaker Assem El-Gazzar said nearly 500 MPs had asked to speak during the discussions. Most parties supported the request, but some lawmakers questioned the terms of a possible military mission.

The Egyptian Social Democratic Party instructed its MPs ahead of the vote to abstain. It said parliament had not received enough information about what Egyptian troops would be asked to do, how long they would stay, what the operation would cost or the risks they would face.

While supporting Saudi Arabia’s security, the party warned against an open-ended military commitment and urged Egypt to leave room for diplomacy.

The National Defence Council, chaired by el-Sisi, had endorsed support for Saudi Arabia on 18 October. However, Egypt’s constitution also requires approval from two-thirds of MPs before its armed forces can be sent on combat missions abroad.

Attacks continue as diplomats meet

Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish officials met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials in Tehran on Monday. Pakistan sent army chief Asim Munir, while Turkey sent intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Fighting continues between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

The Houthis said on Monday they had attacked pumping stations on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. There was no immediate Saudi confirmation of those claims.

The Saudi-led coalition separately said it had intercepted a missile heading towards Riyadh. It also said it had destroyed Houthi missile launchers and storage facilities in Yemen.

The fighting threatens shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The waterway forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea and is part of the route to Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Egypt’s main stock index closed 1.7% lower on Monday ahead of the parliamentary vote. Trading had been halted for 30 minutes on Sunday after the broader EGX100 index fell 10%.

Saudi Arabia is a major political ally and financial supporter of Egypt. It provides aid, energy supplies and deposits at Egypt’s central bank.

Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015, mainly through naval operations. Its combat role was limited.