Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has sought parliamentary approval to deploy the country’s military to assist Saudi Arabia. This move comes in response to intensified attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting Saudi airports and oil infrastructure.
Al-Sisi emphasized that the mission would be defensive and contingent upon a formal request from the kingdom. He stated during a military graduation ceremony, “Egypt will take any measures requested by Saudi Arabia to protect and defend it.”
According to Egypt’s Constitution, the president must consult with the National Defense Council and secure two-thirds parliamentary approval before sending armed forces abroad for combat missions. On Sunday, al-Sisi chaired a meeting of the National Defense Council to discuss the “grave escalations unfolding in the region” and the “unacceptable attacks” against Saudi Arabia. The council committed to providing “all necessary and possible forms of support” to Saudi Arabia to ensure its security, stability, and protection of resources and holy sites.
Egypt has largely remained uninvolved in recent regional military conflicts, preferring political solutions. Al-Sisi’s diplomatic efforts are viewed positively by some analysts.
Samir Ragheb, a retired army brigadier and political analyst, highlighted Egypt’s pledges to support Gulf states. He argued that failing to act now would render past promises meaningless. “Egypt has repeatedly pledged to support the security of the Gulf states,” Ragheb said. “If Egypt fails to deliver on these promises, they will be empty threats.”
Ragheb stressed the magnitude of the threat faced by the region, stating, “The threat is much bigger than the Houthis. This includes Iran, Iraqi militias, and sleeper cells within the kingdom itself.” He warned Egypt could lose its regional influence if it does not intervene. “If you want to be a regional player, you must play a role,” Ragheb insisted.
Parliament convened an emergency session on Sunday. A decision on the resolution was postponed to next Monday. The Egyptian Social Democratic Party instructed its members to abstain, citing insufficient information regarding the mission’s scope, costs, risks, and arrangements for protecting Egyptian forces.
Ragheb criticized the United States for not acting against the Houthis, suggesting this created a vacuum in support that Egypt could fill. He pointed out other regional powers are attempting to fill this gap, referencing a defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan known as the Mecca Accords.
Ragheb commented on the significance of these accords, saying, “Even before Saudi Arabia asked for Egyptian support, the Mecca Accords was a death certificate for the idea of relying on America for any form of defense.”