Egyptian parliament authorizes military support for Saudi Arabia

On October 26, 2026, the Egyptian parliament authorized President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take all necessary measures to assist Saudi Arabia in its defense against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. The move follows a request from al-Sisi and passed with support from at least two-thirds of the chamber in a closed session. While the specific nature of the support remains undisclosed, officials have indicated that forces could be deployed upon a formal request from Riyadh.

The decision raises the risk of Egypt becoming directly involved in the regional conflict, which has intensified following Houthi advances that threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime gateway to the Suez Canal. Although Egypt previously participated in the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 as a naval partner, it has not yet joined the "Mecca Pact" mutual defense agreement established in August between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

In response, high-ranking Houthi official Mohammed al-Houthi labeled the parliamentary authorization a "declaration of war" against Yemen, accusing Egypt of serving Israeli interests. Meanwhile, opposition groups within Egypt, including the Civil Democratic Movement, have expressed formal objections to the measure. The situation remains fluid as no official request for combat troops has been issued by Saudi authorities.