Egypt Authorizes Military Support for Saudi Arabia Against Houthis
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received parliamentary authorization to provide defensive military support to Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on oil infrastructure and airports.
The Egyptian Parliament authorized Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Monday to provide military support to Saudi Arabia to defend against escalating attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militias. The mandate, passed by a two-thirds majority, allows Egypt to undertake necessary measures to protect Saudi territory, borders, and holy sites if requested by Riyadh.
President el-Sisi specified that any military action would be limited to protecting Saudi territory and borders rather than launching attacks within Yemen. This decision follows Houthi strikes on Saudi international airports and Aramco oil facilities, as well as disruptions to shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait that have reduced revenue for Egypt's Suez Canal.
While the parliamentary vote provides constitutional approval for potential combat missions, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty maintains a preference for a diplomatic settlement. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with el-Sisi in Cairo to discuss the regional tensions, urging maximum restraint to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
International responses vary, with the United Kingdom pledging fighter jets for Saudi defense and the United States providing intelligence and refueling support while declining requests for direct strikes. Egypt is also considering joining a mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
