The key facts
- Al-Sisi: Egypt's role is defending the territory and borders of Saudi Arabia, not strikes on Yemen
- Arab national security is 'indivisible'; Gulf stability is linked to Egypt's security
- Earlier, Egypt's National Defense Council and parliament discussed measures amid Houthi attacks
Statement at the Egypt Forum 2026
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Wednesday, speaking at the 'Security of the Nation and Citizens' session on the third day of the Egypt Forum 2026, that Egypt's military support for Saudi Arabia does not include attacks on Yemen. According to the Egyptian presidential administration, the session was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, ministers and senior officials. 'Egyptian military efforts are aimed at defending the territory of the Kingdom and do not include an attack on Yemen,' Sisi said.
The limits of Egypt's role
Sisi explained that Egypt's military role consists of defending the territory and borders of Saudi Arabia, as well as any other Arab country that turns to Cairo for help. According to him, Egyptian military efforts will not go beyond the borders of Egypt or the Arab country whose security and stability Cairo seeks to protect.
Arab security as a single whole
The president stressed that Arab national security is 'indivisible' and that the stability of the Gulf countries is closely linked to Egypt's national security. He described support for the Gulf countries as a reflection of Cairo's commitment to collective Arab security.
Context: escalation and internal discussions
The statement came amid Egyptian discussions of measures to support Saudi Arabia following the escalation of Houthi attacks on the Kingdom. On Sunday, Egypt's National Defense Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and discussed measures to protect Egypt's national security amid regional tensions; parliament then convened to consider measures in connection with regional events.
The situation in Yemen
The developments are taking place against the backdrop of intensified fighting in Yemen, where the Saudi Arabia-led coalition supports the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. The Houthis launch missile and drone attacks toward Saudi territory, while coalition forces carry out military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen.
