Egypt’s parliament on Monday authorised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take “all necessary measures” to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Yemen’s Houthis.
The approval followed Sisi’s request for parliamentary backing to provide military assistance if Riyadh sought support. However, Cairo has clarified that any involvement would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders rather than launching attacks in Yemen.
Egypt has repeatedly condemned Houthi attacks on Gulf states but has not directly participated in the current fighting. Its parliament had postponed the vote last week while Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad travelled to Riyadh to deliver a message to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The escalation has raised concerns over the security of the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco have disrupted flights and oil exports, while humanitarian agencies warn of worsening conditions in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia is a major financial and political ally of Egypt, providing aid, central bank deposits and energy supplies.
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