Egypt’s parliament is scheduled to convene an emergency session on Sunday to consider a request from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia’s defense against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to state media reports. The session follows a call by al-Sisi for lawmakers to approve any deployment of Egyptian forces if formally requested by Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia leads a coalition engaged in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, backing the internationally recognized government against the Houthi movement, which is supported by Iran. Egypt joined the Saudi-led intervention in 2015 but has primarily focused on securing Red Sea shipping routes rather than direct combat roles.
The urgency of the parliamentary session comes amid an escalation in hostilities since July, with the Houthis intensifying attacks on Saudi targets, including energy infrastructure and Riyadh’s international airport. A recent airstrike on the airport resulted in 13 fatalities. Additionally, the Houthis have imposed a blockade on the Bab el-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime passage that has gained increased strategic importance after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted Saudi oil exports and redirected shipping through the Red Sea.
Speaking at a military academy graduation, al-Sisi stressed Egypt’s stance on the issue, declaring it “inconceivable” to stand idle while Saudi Arabia’s security and stability were threatened. He affirmed that under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Egypt would take any necessary measures to protect Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that any military action would be defensive in nature. “I’m not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone,” al-Sisi said. “We are speaking only about defense.”
The president’s request for parliamentary approval reflects Egypt’s constitutional procedure for deploying military personnel abroad. State media reported that the emergency parliamentary session is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, though official details remained limited.
The developments follow a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo last month, during which Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Saudi efforts to safeguard the kingdom’s security amid the renewed escalation in Yemen’s conflict.