Egypt’s parliament has approved a proposal allowing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia in defending its territory against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, signalling growing security concerns across the Red Sea region.
The decision was made on Monday after lawmakers voted by a two-thirds majority in favour of authorising potential military support for the kingdom. According to a statement from the House of Representatives, the approval gives Sisi the authority to take appropriate measures to assist Saudi Arabia in responding to the attacks.
The vote followed three closed-door parliamentary meetings and two postponements. Last week, Sisi had asked lawmakers to approve the possibility of military assistance if Saudi Arabia formally requested it.
However, the exact nature and scale of Egypt’s potential involvement remain unclear. Egypt possesses one of the largest militaries in the Arab world, with hundreds of thousands of active personnel, fighter aircraft and advanced air defence systems sourced from several countries, including the United States, China, France and Russia.
Egyptian lawmaker Medhat Rekaby al-Mansourawy told AFP that discussions surrounding the potential operation had remained general, with few operational details provided. He added that lawmakers had received assurances that any involvement would be defensive rather than offensive.
The Social Democratic Party, which holds 11 seats in parliament, abstained from the vote. The party had called for greater transparency regarding the mission’s objectives, duration and scope, as well as a clearer assessment of the risks that Egyptian military personnel could face.
Sisi emphasises defence and diplomacy
President Sisi has stressed that Egypt’s potential support would focus on protecting Saudi territory and would not involve launching attacks against Yemen.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said the proposed assistance was intended to defend the kingdom’s land and borders. He also underlined that a diplomatic solution should remain the preferred path towards reducing tensions and preventing a wider regional conflict.
Since making his initial request to parliament, Sisi’s administration has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional powers.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has held consultations with members of the regional grouping known as the R4, which includes Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. Egypt has not agreed to join the Mecca defence pact associated with these countries.
Abdelatty also said on Monday that he was in daily communication with Iranian officials as Cairo sought to encourage regional de-escalation.
These diplomatic efforts highlight Egypt’s attempt to balance its security commitments to Saudi Arabia with its broader interest in preventing further instability across the Middle East.
Why Saudi Arabia’s security matters to Egypt
Saudi Arabia remains one of Egypt’s closest regional allies and a major financial supporter of the government led by Sisi, who came to power following the military removal of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Egypt’s relationship with Riyadh extends beyond political cooperation. The security of Saudi Arabia and the stability of Red Sea shipping routes are closely connected to Egypt’s economic interests.
In a speech on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt could not simply stand aside while Saudi Arabia’s security and stability faced serious threats.
The escalating attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthis, alongside disruptions affecting regional oil and maritime trade, have raised concerns about two important sources of foreign currency for Egypt: the Suez Canal and remittances sent home by Egyptians working abroad.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a strategically important maritime passage for international shipping. Disruptions in this area can affect vessels travelling towards the Suez Canal, one of Egypt’s most important economic assets.
Egypt has faced significant pressure from the disruption of shipping through the Red Sea, with Suez Canal revenues struggling to recover following the Houthi attacks that began in 2023.
Remittances from Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia are another major source of income for Cairo. Saudi Arabia hosts the largest Egyptian community outside Egypt, and remittances from Egyptians working there reached approximately US$12 billion during the last fiscal year cited in the report. That figure exceeded the Suez Canal’s revenues at their record high in 2023.
These economic connections help explain why developments in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea have become matters of direct concern for the Egyptian government.
Egypt weighs its military options carefully
Egypt has participated in military operations in Yemen before. In 2015, it joined the Saudi-led coalition, contributing naval and air forces and deploying warships to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
However, Cairo has generally adopted a more cautious approach over the past decade, placing greater emphasis on diplomacy and protecting its own national security.
Egypt has also sought to maintain communication with opposing sides in several regional conflicts, positioning itself as a potential mediator. Its diplomatic channels have included engagement with Hamas, Israel and Iran.
This approach reflects the challenges facing Egypt as it attempts to maintain strong relationships with its regional partners without becoming deeply involved in prolonged military confrontations.
H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, told AFP that Egypt’s position may be changing because of the growing risks facing Saudi Arabia and Red Sea security.
According to Hellyer, Saudi Arabia may be seeking political backing and a visible show of solidarity from Egypt, rather than a large-scale military deployment.
He suggested that any Egyptian military presence in Saudi Arabia would likely remain limited.
Regional security remains a major concern
The Egyptian parliament’s decision comes at a time when instability around the Red Sea continues to raise concerns about regional security, international shipping and economic stability.
For Egypt, the challenge is to support a close ally while avoiding a broader military confrontation that could place additional pressure on its economy and security interests.
For Saudi Arabia, securing its territory against Houthi attacks remains a critical priority. The extent of Egypt’s involvement, however, will depend on future developments, the nature of any formal request from Riyadh and decisions made by the Egyptian leadership.
Although parliament has authorised Sisi to take the necessary measures, the approval does not by itself establish the size, timing or operational details of any military deployment.
The coming weeks may therefore prove important in determining whether Egypt’s support remains primarily diplomatic and symbolic or expands into a more direct defensive role.
For now, Cairo appears to be pursuing a careful balance: standing alongside Saudi Arabia, protecting its own national interests and continuing to push for diplomacy as the region confronts mounting security challenges.
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
