Sissi limits proposed Egyptian support for Saudi Arabia to defense, ruling out Yemen attack
Egypt’s president said any military support would defend Saudi territory. Lawmakers have postponed a vote on authorizing support until October 26.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on October 21 that proposed military support for Saudi Arabia would defend the kingdom’s territory and borders, but would not include an attack on Yemen. The distinction sets out the limits he says Egypt would observe as its parliament considers whether to authorize support if Riyadh requests it.
At the Egypt Forum 2026 event, Sissi said Egypt was talking about defending Saudi land and borders. ‘The situation cannot bear any further instability in other countries,’ he said, according to AFP. Reuters reported that Sissi also said Egypt would defend another Arab country’s territory if asked, while limiting its military effort to Egyptian territory or that of an Arab state it sought to protect.
Parliamentary vote on Saudi support set for October 26
Sissi had asked Egypt’s parliament to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requested it. Lawmakers postponed a vote until October 26, Reuters reported. The proposal therefore remains subject to parliamentary authorization; Sissi’s statement did not announce a deployment.
The new limits clarify Sissi’s position since he sought parliament’s approval. His earlier request for authority to support Saudi Arabia, if asked, is covered in NewsJaws’ report on the proposed Saudi defense vote.
Egyptian envoys meet Saudi crown prince in Riyadh
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi state media said, according to Reuters. Abdelatty delivered a written message from Sissi to King Salman. The contents of that message were not disclosed.
The proposed support comes amid intensified fighting involving the Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north. Reuters described Egypt and Saudi Arabia as close strategic and economic partners. AFP reported that Egypt has not joined the defense pact Saudi Arabia signed with Turkey and Pakistan in August.
Dawn reported that the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted drones headed toward the kingdom, including in the Madina region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in an interview aired on October 20 that intervention by Egypt or another country in the Yemen war would make the situation more difficult. His warning addressed possible involvement in the war; Sissi has said Egypt’s proposed role would be confined to defense.
Read in depth: World
Irish council staff on industrial action available for Storm Austen emergency work
Fórsa and Siptu say emergency work can proceed during industrial action as Storm Austen approaches Ireland, while Dublin City Council prepares for possible flooding.
Yonsei says portal breach exposed data of about 10,000 people
The Seoul university says current and former students, faculty and international students are affected. It plans to let individuals check which details were exposed.
Sources and context
- Sissi says Egypt to 'defend Saudi territory' and will not attack YemenKorea Herald, crediting AFP
- Sisi says Egypt would defend Saudi territory but rules out attack on YemenThe Straits Times, crediting Reuters
- Saudis intercept more drones as conflict with Houthis spiralsDawn, agencies
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.