Egypt’s parliament authorises Sisi to act to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Houthis

Cairo, Egypt. Egypt’s parliament on Monday gave President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi authority to take “all necessary measures” to assist Saudi Arabia in its own defence. The decision could draw Cairo more directly into the confrontation between the kingdom and Yemen’s Iran-allied Houthis.

Vote and request from the president

Sisi had asked lawmakers to endorse military backing for Saudi Arabia, a Gulf Arab partner and the largest oil exporter globally, in case Riyadh sought assistance against the Houthis. Their advances also endanger the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea in the south to Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Related: Ship Attacks Near Romania and Bulgaria Test NATO’s Black Sea Defences

RelatedShip Attacks Near Romania and Bulgaria Test NATO’s Black Sea Defences

An official parliamentary statement said at least two-thirds of the chamber supported the measure. The vote took place in a closed session and no tally was released. No formal Saudi request for Egyptian troops has been announced.

Form of support unclear

The statement gave no details on the type of support Egypt would offer. Taher al-Khouly, deputy head of the parliament’s legislative committee, told Reuters that forces would be sent to Saudi Arabia in coordination between the two states and at Saudi Arabia’s request.

Opposition reaction

Several opposition groups either voted against or declined to back the step. The Civil Democratic Movement, an alliance of opposition parties, opposed Egyptian military participation in a regional war and said last week that Cairo should concentrate on mediation.

The Egyptian Social Democratic Party announced that its lawmakers would abstain, pointing to a shortage of information about the mission’s goals, length and cost. The party added that it continued to support Saudi Arabia.

Egypt’s position and the Mecca pact

Egypt has repeatedly condemned attacks by Iran and Iran-backed forces on Gulf states. It has not taken part openly in direct fighting, and it has not joined the Mecca mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, which was signed in August.

Ministers from the pact’s member states met in an emergency session in Riyadh earlier this month. They agreed to ensure the “rapid deployment” of forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan approved the agreement last week, and Turkey’s parliament started the ratification process in the same week.