Egypt: Defence Council backs support for Saudi Arabia
The presidency announces the Council’s decision. It is not parliamentary authorization; Reuters reports that discussions will continue on 19 October.
Updated 19.10.2026 · 03:04, Athens time — What changed:
Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, decided on 18 October 2026 to extend all necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia for its security, stability and territorial integrity, according to the presidency. It also decided to intensify diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation.
The parliamentary process is a separate stage
Reuters reports that parliamentary discussions are expected to continue on Monday 19 October, rather than the vote expected on Sunday. This is the agency’s reporting, not a confirmed voting outcome.
The Council’s announcement is not parliamentary authorization and does not establish that an Egyptian military operation has begun.
Earlier update — 17 October 2026, 22:05, Athens time
Egypt’s House of Representatives has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Sunday, 18 October 2026, following President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s request to consider authorization for defensive assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh asks for it.
What has been announced
In a 17 October post, the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) relays parliament’s General Secretariat announcement of the session. Reuters gives its start time as 13:00 on Sunday in Cairo — 13:00 Athens time, noting that a detailed agenda was not disclosed.
The pending stage
This development is a request for authorization and the scheduling of a session, not an already adopted decision. It also does not establish that Saudi Arabia has submitted a request for assistance or that an Egyptian military operation has begun.
ERT reports that Sisi framed the potential assistance as defensive, amid Houthi attacks on Saudi targets. The outcome of the parliamentary process and the exact terms of any authorization remain to be confirmed after the session.
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