Egypt’s Parliament Debates Sending Troops to Defend Saudi Arabia
(MENAFN) Egypt’s parliament reconvened behind closed doors on Monday to weigh a request that would authorize President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to extend military support to Saudi Arabia, potentially including the deployment of troops, as regional tensions climb, according to local media.
The session, the third on the issue, was chaired by Parliament Speaker Hisham Badawi. Two closed-door meetings were held last week at Sisi’s request, according to an Egyptian newspaper, which reported that lawmakers are reviewing a presidential request for authority to provide military assistance should the kingdom ask for it.
The talks come after a meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, that addressed regional developments and recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Close to 500 lawmakers have asked to speak, raising the prospect of further sessions before a final vote, Egyptian media reported. Deputy Parliament Speaker Assem el-Gazzar said more than 100 members addressed the chamber across the first two sessions, with most voicing support for empowering Sisi to send troops to defend Saudi territory. He stressed that Egypt remains committed to diplomacy as its main approach to preserving peace, and said the sessions are closed because lawmakers need access to sensitive strategic information before reaching a decision.
Under Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution, the president may not declare war or send armed forces on combat missions beyond the country’s borders without consulting the National Defense Council and securing the approval of two-thirds of parliament. The final vote is expected once all lawmakers who wish to speak have done so. No decision has been announced.
The debate unfolds amid escalating hostilities between Yemen’s Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Saudi authorities have reported repeated drone and missile attacks on several areas of the kingdom, including Riyadh and southern regions near the Yemeni border.
On Oct. 19, Egypt’s National Defense Council voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia after the attacks and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting Saudi security and sovereignty. Sisi has also said Egypt stands ready to take any measures Saudi Arabia requests to defend its territory, while stressing diplomatic efforts to head off further regional escalation.
The session, the third on the issue, was chaired by Parliament Speaker Hisham Badawi. Two closed-door meetings were held last week at Sisi’s request, according to an Egyptian newspaper, which reported that lawmakers are reviewing a presidential request for authority to provide military assistance should the kingdom ask for it.
The talks come after a meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, that addressed regional developments and recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Close to 500 lawmakers have asked to speak, raising the prospect of further sessions before a final vote, Egyptian media reported. Deputy Parliament Speaker Assem el-Gazzar said more than 100 members addressed the chamber across the first two sessions, with most voicing support for empowering Sisi to send troops to defend Saudi territory. He stressed that Egypt remains committed to diplomacy as its main approach to preserving peace, and said the sessions are closed because lawmakers need access to sensitive strategic information before reaching a decision.
Under Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution, the president may not declare war or send armed forces on combat missions beyond the country’s borders without consulting the National Defense Council and securing the approval of two-thirds of parliament. The final vote is expected once all lawmakers who wish to speak have done so. No decision has been announced.
The debate unfolds amid escalating hostilities between Yemen’s Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Saudi authorities have reported repeated drone and missile attacks on several areas of the kingdom, including Riyadh and southern regions near the Yemeni border.
On Oct. 19, Egypt’s National Defense Council voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia after the attacks and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting Saudi security and sovereignty. Sisi has also said Egypt stands ready to take any measures Saudi Arabia requests to defend its territory, while stressing diplomatic efforts to head off further regional escalation.
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