Egypt's el-Sisi Seeks Parliament Mandate to Defend Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Saturday called on Egypt's parliament to hold an emergency session so lawmakers could approve Egyptian action to defend Saudi Arabia "if we are asked." He made the appeal as attacks on the kingdom by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis escalate.

The request came a day after US President Donald Trump stated that Israel "has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia" in its fight against the Houthis. Trump gave no details of the help Israel had provided.

El-Sisi spoke at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. "I know this requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I ask that an emergency session be held so that it can give us that authorisation if we are asked," he said.

"It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed," el-Sisi declared. He added that Egypt was not looking to attack anyone and was ready to act only in defense.

Parliament announced a plenary session for 1 p.m. (1000 GMT) on Sunday shortly after el-Sisi spoke. It did not disclose the agenda. El-Sisi said Egypt would act according to guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Ynet reported that el-Sisi also pledged full support for the Gulf in the same speech. "We stand firmly with our brothers in the Gulf and fully support the defense of their territories. We will take any measure Saudi Arabia requests to protect its security and sovereignty," he said.

The Egyptian leader also used the speech to confirm that he will leave office in 2030 under Egypt's amended constitution. He ruled out further constitutional changes and called his departure "settled and not open for discussion."