Egypt's Defense Chiefs Pledge Support for Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks

Egypt's defense chiefs have publicly pledged to support Saudi Arabia after attacks carried out by the Houthis, an armed movement based in Yemen. The attacks add to tension in the Middle East's security picture. The report was published by The New York Times on October 18, 2026.

The president's appeal to parliament

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called on the country's lawmakers to authorize military assistance to the Saudi kingdom. He stressed that any support Egypt provides would be defensive.

That means, as the head of state describes it, Egypt's possible involvement would be aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia rather than at offensive operations. Lawmakers' approval is needed before such assistance can be given.

Why it matters

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are two significant countries in the region, so Cairo's public pledges point to possible closer defense cooperation in response to the Houthi attacks. The available source text gives no details on the scale of the attacks, on what kind of help Egypt might send, or on when parliament might decide.