Egyptian parliament delays decision on backing Saudi Arabia militarily

Egypt’s parliament postponed the debate on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s request to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia until October 26, state media reported on October 20.

The delay follows an emergency session that ended without a decision, despite most lawmakers reportedly supporting the proposal. The sessions were convened after Sisi sought approval to assist Saudi Arabia amid near-daily attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.

The Egyptian Social Democratic Party, part of the opposition, has instructed its members to abstain from voting, citing the need for clear objectives, mission scope, risk assessments, and consideration of Egypt’s economic pressures before any deployment abroad.

Sisi emphasized that Egypt’s stance is defensive, not confrontational, amid escalating conflict in Yemen and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including strikes on Aramco and Riyadh’s airport.