Egyptian parliament begins emergency session on possible troop deployment to defend Saudi Arabia

The extraordinary session, held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, was chaired by Parliament Speaker Hisham Badawi following a request from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, according to the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper.

The session comes after Sisi said Saturday that Egypt was prepared to take any measures requested by Saudi Arabia to defend its security and sovereignty.

“I call on parliament to hold an emergency session to authorize this move if we are asked to do so,” Sisi said.

Under Article 152 of Egypt’s Constitution, the president, as supreme commander of the armed forces, cannot declare war or send Egyptian troops on combat missions outside the country without consulting the National Defense Council and obtaining approval from two-thirds of parliament.

Parliament’s internal regulations also require such authorization to be considered during an urgent closed session convened at the president’s request following consultations with the National Defense Council.

Earlier Sunday, Egypt’s National Defense Council, chaired by Sisi, declared “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and decided to provide “all necessary and possible forms of support” to defend the kingdom’s security and stability, protect its resources and territorial integrity, and safeguard Islamic holy sites.

The council stressed that Saudi national security was linked to Egyptian and Arab national security.

It also decided to intensify political and diplomatic efforts in coordination with regional and international parties to reduce tensions and peacefully resolve regional crises.

The developments come amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group, which has carried out missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government has intensified military operations against the Houthis in recent days, launching airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, including the capital Sanaa.

​​​​​​​The Houthis have also threatened further attacks on Saudi territory, including oil facilities, as the conflict continues to escalate.