Egypt's Sisi Seeks Parliamentary Green Light for Defense Aid to Saudi Arabia Amidst Regional Tensions

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has initiated a request for an emergency parliamentary session to grant him the authority to approve any defense assistance requests from Saudi Arabia, should Riyadh formally ask. During a speech at the graduation ceremony of the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, President el-Sisi underscored Cairo's commitment to supporting the Kingdom. He stated that Egypt would "carry out any measure to protect" Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and the directives of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman." El-Sisi further elaborated, "I know that this matter requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I hope that parliament will convene in an emergency session to give us this authorisation, if it is requested of us." He clarified that his intention was not to provoke conflict, stating, "I am not speaking in order for us to fight anyone or attack anyone. I am speaking only for defence." This move follows a series of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, which have impacted airports and oil facilities. Recent Houthi strikes have primarily focused on key infrastructure on the outskirts of Riyadh, but there are indications they are approaching the city center. Notably, earlier this month, Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resulted in 14 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Other airports, including Dammam, Abha, Jazan, and Najran, have also reportedly been targeted by Houthi forces. In response, Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government initiated a comprehensive military campaign this month aimed at reclaiming territory from the Houthis. Last month, President el-Sisi expressed support for Saudi Arabia's calls for secure and unimpeded navigation in the Red Sea during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Cairo. A statement from the Egyptian presidency at the time emphasized that "the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security." This meeting occurred shortly after the Houthis gained control over significant portions of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a crucial southern gateway to the Suez Canal. Saudi Arabia currently maintains a defense pact with Pakistan and Turkiye, known as the Mecca Alliance for Defence, established in August. Earlier this month, these three nations agreed to implement "deterrence measures" under the pact and expedite the deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia to counter Houthi attacks. Analysts suggest that Riyadh is seeking assistance to bolster its defenses and secure Red Sea shipping routes, identifying Egypt as a logical partner due to its own reliance on Red Sea traffic for Suez Canal revenues. Experts believe Egypt is keen to prevent Iran and its allies from dominating the region, particularly concerning maritime traffic in the Red Sea, given the direct implications for the Suez Canal. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of instigating Houthi attacks, an allegation that Tehran denies. Iran has, however, offered its assistance in mediating an end to the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.