Egypt’s Parliament Approves Deploying Defensive Forces to Saudi Arabia

Egypt’s House of Representatives has approved a request by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to authorise measures, including the potential deployment of Egyptian forces, to support Saudi Arabia’s defence, following a vote during a closed parliamentary session on October 26th.

The decision comes amid escalating regional tensions and recent attacks on Saudi territory attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement. El-Sisi had sought parliamentary authorisation earlier this month, saying Egypt was prepared to help defend the kingdom if Riyadh requested assistance.

The vote follows several days of parliamentary deliberations. Under Egypt’s Constitution, deploying the armed forces on a combat mission outside the country requires approval from two-thirds of parliament after consultation with the National Defence Council.

The authorisation allows the president to take the necessary defensive measures in support of Saudi Arabia. It does not, in itself, confirm that Egyptian troops have been deployed.