Egypt parliament approves military support for Saudi Arabia

The decision allows defensive measures in coordination with Riyadh to protect Saudi territory and holy sites.

Cairo: Egypt’s parliament has authorised President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take necessary measures to support and defend Saudi Arabia, Ahram Online reported on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The approval was secured by a two-thirds majority of lawmakers. In a statement, the House of Representatives said the measures would be coordinated with Riyadh and aimed at defending the kingdom’s territory, sovereignty and holy sites against external aggression.

The move comes amid regional security concerns following repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The decision followed closed-door parliamentary sessions held on October 18, 19 and 26 at el-Sisi’s request to discuss the regional situation and its implications for Egyptian and Arab national security.

El-Sisi had sought parliamentary authorisation on Saturday, October 17, to provide defensive assistance if Saudi Arabia requested Egypt’s support.

Egypt’s legal framework for military deployment

Egypt’s Constitution and parliamentary regulations set out specific requirements for deploying armed forces abroad on combat missions.

Under Article 130 of the House’s internal regulations, such deployments require approval from two-thirds of all MPs, in accordance with Article 152 of the Constitution.

The procedure requires an urgent, closed-door parliamentary session convened at the president’s request after consultation with the National Defence Council.

Article 152 prohibits declaring war or deploying forces abroad on combat missions without consulting the council and securing the required parliamentary approval. If parliament is not in session, the Constitution provides for consultation with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, alongside approval from the Cabinet and the National Defence Council.

On Sunday, October 18, the National Defence Council pledged defensive support for Saudi Arabia while backing diplomatic efforts to contain regional escalation.

El-Sisi said on Wednesday, October 21, that Egypt’s military efforts would exclude attacks on Yemen, focusing instead on defending Saudi territory and borders.