The key facts

  • Egypt's parliament postponed the vote on military support for Saudi Arabia until October 26
  • The initiative belongs to President el-Sisi, who promised assistance to Riyadh at its request
  • The context is recent attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Saudi Arabia

Vote postponed to October 26

Egypt's parliament postponed by one week, until October 26, a vote on approving military support for Saudi Arabia should the latter request assistance. According to the state newspaper Akhbar el-Yom, the decision to postpone was made at a session on Monday, which took place after a similar session on Sunday. On Sunday, parliament also adjourned its session, postponing further discussion until Monday.

President el-Sisi's initiative

The discussions are being held at the request of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. On Saturday, he stated that Cairo would take all necessary measures to defend Saudi Arabia if it asks for help.

Context: Houthi attacks and the conflict in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has recently been subjected to attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement. Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and a number of provinces, prompting the Saudi Arabia-led coalition to intervene the following year in support of the internationally recognized government. A truce brokered by the UN in April 2022 had ensured years of relative calm until recently.