Egypt Pledges Full Support to Saudi Arabia Amidst Houthi Warnings Against Intervention

Egypt's highest security body declared on Sunday its commitment to provide "all necessary and possible forms of support" to Saudi Arabia. This declaration came just hours before the Egyptian parliament was scheduled to convene and vote on authorizing President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to assist in defending the kingdom against ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The National Defence Council, under the chairmanship of Mr. El Sisi at Al Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, emphasized that Saudi Arabia's security is intrinsically linked to Egypt's own security and the broader Arab national security. The presidency stated that this support would aid the kingdom in safeguarding its security and territory, as well as the sacred Islamic holy sites. The council cited the "escalating unacceptable attacks" targeting the kingdom and called for enhanced diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. While the official statement did not explicitly mention the deployment of troops, Mostafa Bakry, a Member of Parliament and television host with close ties to the state, indicated on X that the council had approved sending forces to Saudi Arabia for a "defensive mission." Key attendees at the meeting included Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Speaker of Parliament Hisham Badawy, Defence Minister Lt Gen Ashraf Zaher, and intelligence chiefs. According to Article 152 of Egypt's constitution, the President requires consultation with the council before declaring war or dispatching the army on a combat mission abroad, and also needs the approval of two-thirds of the Members of Parliament. Parliamentary rules stipulate that such a vote must occur during an urgent closed session. The emergency sitting was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday. The House of Representatives, largely composed of pro-Sisi legislators, is widely expected to endorse the request, mirroring their support for previous presidential initiatives. President El Sisi had submitted the request on Saturday, stating, "It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed." He further clarified in a speech at the Military Academy that Egypt would only act if requested by Riyadh, emphasizing, "We do not want to fight or attack anyone. We will only defend Saudi Arabia." This development prompted an immediate warning from Sanaa. Yahya Al Raei, the speaker of the Houthi-controlled parliament, addressed a letter to Mr. Badawi on Saturday. The Houthi-governed body lacks international recognition. Al Raei wrote, "We categorically reject Egypt being dragged" into "the same trench as the takfiri forces and the Israeli occupation entity," warning that such a course "would pose a grave danger to its national security" and urging Cairo to adopt a "courageous stance." He accused Riyadh of perpetuating "aggression and siege" against Yemen for over 12 years, claiming they had abandoned a peace roadmap and ended a period of calm by striking Sanaa airport. The Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV broadcast the letter. Earlier on Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait and three drones over Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki stated on Thursday that the Houthis had launched 20 attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport since October 1. He also noted that attacks on Saudi airports had resulted in 19 fatalities and 364 injuries, with the deadliest incident on October 10 in Riyadh claiming 13 lives, including an Egyptian flight attendant. The coalition also announced intercepting a missile targeting Madinah on Thursday, an action the Houthis denied responsibility for. The UN Security Council subsequently condemned these attacks as "escalatory" and affirmed the kingdom's right to self-defense. Cairo's decision also coincides with the formation of a new regional alliance centered around Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, stipulating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Riyadh activated this pact on October 5, with Pakistan confirming that the signatories would dispatch "agreed military forces" to the kingdom. Although Egypt is not yet a signatory, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty indicated last week that joining the agreement is "under serious consideration." Cairo has historically been cautious about entering into binding pacts, as such commitments could jeopardize its relations with Iran and its peace treaty with Israel, potentially drawing Egypt into conflict with the Houthis. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have already inflicted significant losses on Suez Canal revenues. In recent weeks, numerous commentators have pointed to Egypt's costly military involvement in Yemen during the 1960s as a reason to avoid hasty commitments. Instead, Cairo has pursued more limited engagements, joining a Saudi-led naval coalition established after the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi shipping on August 13. Egypt had previously joined the Saudi-led coalition intervening in Yemen in 2015. In July 2020, MPs unanimously approved, in a closed session, the authorization for combat missions abroad as fighting in Libya approached Egypt's western border. The approval of the current request would not automatically mandate troop deployment.