Egypt’s parliament has postponed a vote on authorising potential military support to help defend Saudi Arabia, rescheduling the decision for October 26 as regional security tensions rise.
The decision was taken during Monday’s parliamentary session, following a similar meeting on Sunday, according to state-run daily Akhbar el-Yom.
Sunday’s session had also been adjourned, with further deliberations deferred until Monday.
The discussions were held at the request of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi, who said on Saturday that Cairo would take all necessary measures to defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requested assistance.
Sisi pledges support amid Houthi attacks
Saudi Arabia has recently come under attack from Yemen’s Houthi militias, raising concerns over the security of the kingdom and the potential for renewed regional escalation.
Sisi’s statement signalled Egypt’s willingness to consider support for its Gulf partner, while the parliamentary vote would address authorisation for possible military assistance.
The one-week postponement leaves the decision pending as lawmakers prepare to resume deliberations later this month.
Yemen conflict continues to shape regional security
Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since the Houthi militia seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in 2014.
A Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
A United Nations-brokered truce that took effect in April 2022 brought a period of relative calm after years of fighting.
Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia have renewed concerns about the durability of that calm and the risk of further regional instability.
Egypt’s planned parliamentary vote comes amid broader efforts by regional governments to respond to security threats while assessing the implications of any potential military involvement.
