Egypt Parliament Authorizes Saudi Defense Support, Excludes Yemen Offensive

Egypt's parliament has authorized military support to defend Saudi territory if Riyadh requests help, while excluding offensive operations in Yemen. The vote confines the support authorized to defense of Saudi territory.

The approval allows Cairo to assist in defending Saudi territory after a request from the Saudi government. It expressly excludes participation in offensive operations against Yemen. The decision does not confirm an immediate deployment of Egyptian forces and leaves the form and timing of any possible support unspecified.

Egypt previously provided naval support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The new authorization sets a stated boundary for this potential support: Cairo may help defend Saudi territory if asked, while offensive action against Yemen is outside the mandate. The vote establishes a conditional defense role rather than announcing a new operation.

Any Egyptian action under the measure would depend on a Saudi request. The authorization establishes permission for defensive support without confirming that Egyptian forces have been deployed.