The Egyptian Parliament has authorized the country’s military to provide support for the defense of Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi requested that Parliament approve a call for assistance from the ‘Arab Coalition’—of which Egypt is a member—to counter the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This decision could directly involve Cairo in a regional conflict that is intensifying, marked by an increase in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
While Egypt has repeatedly condemned attacks on Gulf nations by Iran or its proxy groups, it has not, until now, participated directly in the fighting.
Last Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad visited Riyadh to deliver a letter from President el-Sisi to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In the letter, the Egyptian President clarified that Egypt’s support would be strictly limited to the defense of Saudi Arabia’s territory and borders, and would not extend to operations or attacks within Yemen.
Following the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that Egypt intends to utilize ‘every opportunity’ to resolve the conflict in Yemen through diplomatic means.
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