Egyptian Parliament Continues Talks on Potential Military Support for Saudi Arabia
(MENAFN) Egypt’s parliament resumed closed-door discussions on Monday over a request to authorize President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia, potentially including the deployment of Egyptian troops, amid growing regional tensions, according to local media reports.
The third session, led by Parliament Speaker Hisham Badawi, followed two private meetings held the previous week at Sisi’s request, reports said.
Lawmakers are reviewing a presidential request seeking authorization to offer military support if Saudi Arabia asks for assistance, according to Egyptian media.
The discussions follow a meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, which focused on regional developments and recent attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Nearly 500 members of parliament have reportedly requested to speak during the deliberations, potentially requiring further sessions before lawmakers reach a final decision.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Assem el-Gazzar said more than 100 lawmakers had addressed the issue during the first two meetings, with most backing authorization for Sisi to deploy troops to defend Saudi territory.
He emphasized that diplomacy remained Egypt’s principal means of promoting peace.
The meetings are being conducted behind closed doors to allow lawmakers to review sensitive strategic information before deciding on the request, he added.
Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution stipulates that the president cannot declare war or deploy armed forces on combat missions outside the country without consulting the National Defense Council and securing approval from two-thirds of parliament.
A final vote is expected once all lawmakers who have requested speaking time have presented their positions.
No authorization decision has been announced so far.
The parliamentary deliberations come as hostilities intensify between Yemen’s Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Saudi authorities have reported repeated drone and missile attacks targeting parts of the kingdom, including Riyadh and southern areas near the Yemeni border.
On Oct. 19, Egypt’s National Defense Council voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia following attacks on the kingdom and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting its security and sovereignty.
Sisi has also stated that Egypt is prepared to take measures requested by Saudi Arabia to protect its territory, while underscoring the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation across the region.
The third session, led by Parliament Speaker Hisham Badawi, followed two private meetings held the previous week at Sisi’s request, reports said.
Lawmakers are reviewing a presidential request seeking authorization to offer military support if Saudi Arabia asks for assistance, according to Egyptian media.
The discussions follow a meeting of Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, which focused on regional developments and recent attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Nearly 500 members of parliament have reportedly requested to speak during the deliberations, potentially requiring further sessions before lawmakers reach a final decision.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Assem el-Gazzar said more than 100 lawmakers had addressed the issue during the first two meetings, with most backing authorization for Sisi to deploy troops to defend Saudi territory.
He emphasized that diplomacy remained Egypt’s principal means of promoting peace.
The meetings are being conducted behind closed doors to allow lawmakers to review sensitive strategic information before deciding on the request, he added.
Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution stipulates that the president cannot declare war or deploy armed forces on combat missions outside the country without consulting the National Defense Council and securing approval from two-thirds of parliament.
A final vote is expected once all lawmakers who have requested speaking time have presented their positions.
No authorization decision has been announced so far.
The parliamentary deliberations come as hostilities intensify between Yemen’s Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Saudi authorities have reported repeated drone and missile attacks targeting parts of the kingdom, including Riyadh and southern areas near the Yemeni border.
On Oct. 19, Egypt’s National Defense Council voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia following attacks on the kingdom and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting its security and sovereignty.
Sisi has also stated that Egypt is prepared to take measures requested by Saudi Arabia to protect its territory, while underscoring the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation across the region.
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