By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk
Egypt's National Defense Council pledged support for Saudi Arabia on October 18 as parliament delayed a vote on a possible troop deployment. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had asked lawmakers to prepare for military assistance if Riyadh requested it.
Chaired by Sisi, the council pledged all necessary and possible support for the kingdom's security, territorial integrity, resources and Islamic holy sites. It also called for diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, without detailing what Egypt might contribute.
Parliament Seeks Details Before Troop Vote
Egypt's House of Representatives met behind closed doors on October 18 but deferred a final vote on authorizing troops for a combat mission abroad. AFP and Mada Masr reported that lawmakers wanted a clearer picture of the mission's scope. Parliamentary debate continued on October 19, with the final authorization vote scheduled for October 20.
Article 152 of Egypt's constitution requires the president to consult the National Defense Council and secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority before sending troops on a combat mission abroad. The council's declaration does not authorize a deployment.
On October 17, Sisi described any assistance as defensive and conditional on a Saudi request. Riyadh had not publicly confirmed asking for Egyptian troops, and Cairo had announced no force package or deployment date.
Saudi Attacks Drive Defense Debate
The debate follows renewed Houthi attacks from Yemen on Saudi targets, including Riyadh's airport and facilities operated by Saudi Aramco. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition formed in Yemen in 2015, although its combat role was limited.
Egypt Remains Outside the Makkah Defense Pact
Egypt has not joined the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan named Cairo as a possible future member. Egyptian officials have said they are examining the legal and constitutional implications of membership; no accession decision has followed.
The three signatories later agreed on preparations for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, subject to national legislation. Türkiye has yet to ratify the agreement. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on October 12 that it would soon go to parliament.
Cairo is considering its own overseas mission under Egyptian law, independently of the Makkah agreement. The size, duties and command arrangements of any force remain undefined.
Sources: Egyptian Presidency, Egyptian State Information Service, Egypt's Constitution, Reuters, AFP, Mada Masr, Bosphorus News review and reporting.