Egypt weighs defensive military help it could offer Saudi Arabia against Houthis

Parliament weighs defensive support

Egypt’s parliament is scheduled to meet on Sunday after el-Sisi called for an emergency session. At least two-thirds of the House of Representatives must support the proposal for it to pass.

In a speech on Saturday, el-Sisi said Egypt would take measures to protect Saudi Arabia, but said he hoped lawmakers would authorise him to proceed. He described the proposed role as defensive, not an effort to fight or attack anyone.

Security and economic pressures

James said Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s largest single source of remittances and that millions of Egyptians live and work there. An Egyptian resident was killed and others were injured in attacks on Riyadh’s airport.

Conflict raises military stakes

Fighting in Yemen has intensified. On Sunday, two Saudi-led coalition air raids struck Hodeidah in the southwest, while Saudi-backed forces were fighting the Houthis on fronts including Taiz and Marib.

Some analysts say the Houthis are stretched after gains over the summer. James said ground forces supported by air power could retake coastline, but intercepting missiles launched from mountain areas would be more difficult.

A possible shift in cooperation

Egypt’s earlier involvement in Yemen offers a reminder of the risks. In the 1960s, President Gamal Abdel Nasser sent tens of thousands of troops to the Yemen Civil War, where Saudi Arabia backed the opposing side; Egypt suffered heavy casualties and ties between Cairo and Riyadh were strained.