Amidst ongoing regional tensions, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has clarified Egypt’s stance on military support to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that any assistance would be purely defensive. El-Sisi’s statement underscores Egypt’s readiness to aid in the protection of Saudi territory and other Arab states, should they request it, with a focus on safeguarding national security and regional stability.
This announcement comes as Egypt deliberates over a proposal that would permit the president to authorize defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia. The proposal is set for parliamentary discussion on October 26. Under Egypt’s constitution, deploying forces abroad requires consultation with the National Defense Council and a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
El-Sisi reiterated the interconnectedness of Arab countries’ security with Egypt’s own national interests, particularly highlighting the security of Gulf states. He stressed the importance of noninterference in other nations’ internal affairs, the protection of national institutions, and the opposition to armed militias. This position emerges against the backdrop of increasing Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have raised alarms about regional security and maritime safety in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping route.
In addition to military considerations, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty noted ongoing cooperation with Red Sea countries to bolster regional security through economic development, logistical coordination, and partnerships. This reflects Egypt’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security while avoiding direct involvement in offensive military operations in Yemen.