Egypt's parliament held an emergency session on Sunday at the request of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to debate authorising defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Two lawmakers told the media the vote had been postponed and that deliberations would continue on Monday so that all members could speak.
Media reported that el-Sisi told a military event on Saturday that "it makes no sense to let Saudi Arabia's security and stability be harmed." He stressed that Egypt was not seeking to attack any country but was ready to defend. According to media reports, Egypt's National Defence Council also pledged on Sunday morning to provide "all necessary and possible support" to Saudi Arabia.
Under Egyptian law, the president cannot send the military on foreign missions without parliament's approval, and at least two-thirds of lawmakers must vote in favour. The Houthis have recently attacked Riyadh, Saudi airports and oil facilities. Analysts told the media that any Egyptian help would most likely involve air and missile defence and drone interception rather than troops on Yemen's front lines.
Media also said that, according to some reports, the United Arab Emirates has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia as well. Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a joint defence pact on 7 August.
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