In a move reflecting the level of strategic coordination between Cairo and Riyadh, and amid the rapid developments unfolding across the region and the growing threats to the security and stability of its countries, the Egyptian House of Representatives has approved granting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the necessary authorization to take whatever measures may be required in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support its security and defend the integrity of its territory, in accordance with Egypt’s constitutional and legal provisions.
The decision comes at a highly sensitive regional moment, confirming that Egypt considers the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the priorities of the Arab national security framework, while Cairo continues to promote political and diplomatic solutions and efforts to contain the escalation.
Parliamentary Approval
On Monday, the Egyptian House of Representatives approved, by a two-thirds majority of its members, authorizing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take the necessary measures in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the kingdom and defend its territory. The decision was made during the third closed-door plenary session, chaired by Counselor Hisham Badawi.
The parliamentary approval followed President El-Sisi’s request for authorization to take defensive measures in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should the kingdom request such assistance, amid regional developments and the escalation of attacks targeting it.
The National Defense Council
President El-Sisi had requested parliamentary authorization on October 17. The National Defense Council subsequently held a meeting chaired by the president on October 18, during which it discussed regional developments and the escalating tensions across the region.
The National Defense Council announced Egypt’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the close links between Saudi national security, Egyptian national security, and Arab national security.
The council decided to provide the kingdom with the necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability, safeguard its vital interests, protect the integrity of its territory, and preserve the Islamic holy sites. It also called for the continuation and intensification of political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with regional and international parties, to reduce tensions and resolve crises through peaceful means.
Sessions of the House of Representatives
Following the presidential request, the House of Representatives held two closed-door sessions during the previous week. During these sessions, it heard from representatives of parliamentary blocs and a large number of lawmakers representing different political orientations to discuss the authorization request, regional developments, and their implications for Egyptian and Arab national security.
During the third closed-door session held today, the House continued examining the authorization request before approving, by a two-thirds majority, the authorization for the president to take the necessary measures in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to defend its territory.
The Constitutional Basis
The decision falls within the framework of the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution governing the deployment of the armed forces on combat missions outside the country’s borders.
Article 152 of the Constitution stipulates that the president of the Republic is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and may neither declare war nor deploy the armed forces on a combat mission outside the country’s borders without first obtaining the opinion of the National Defense Council and the approval of two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives.
Article 130 of the House of Representatives’ internal regulations also stipulates that parliamentary approval to declare war or deploy the armed forces on a combat mission outside the country’s borders must be obtained by a two-thirds majority of its members, during an urgent closed-door session convened at the request of the president of the Republic, after consultation with the National Defense Council.
What Does the Authorization Mean?
With the approval of the House of Representatives, the constitutional procedure required to grant the president this authorization has been completed. However, the decision does not necessarily mean that Egyptian forces will automatically be deployed to Saudi Arabia.
The authorization provides the president of the Republic with the constitutional framework necessary to take measures that developments may require, in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in accordance with Egypt’s Constitution and laws, should circumstances necessitate defensive action.
A Clear Egyptian Message
The decision carries a clear political and strategic message regarding Cairo’s position on the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also reflects the level of coordination between the two countries in confronting the challenges and threats facing the region.
Through its official position, Egypt affirms that protecting Arab national security is inseparable from the security and stability of Arab countries, and that any threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a matter of considerable importance to Cairo. At the same time, Egypt continues its diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding and to contain the escalation.
In conclusion, the authorization granted by the House of Representatives to President El-Sisi confirms that any potential defensive action by Egypt will be governed by the constitutional and legal framework and coordinated with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, diplomatic and political options remain central to Cairo’s efforts to protect security and stability across the region and prevent it from sliding further into tensions and conflicts.
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