Egypt's National Defence Council, in a meeting chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday, 18 October 2026, unanimously decided to extend 'all necessary and possible' support to Saudi Arabia to defend the kingdom's security and stability. The decision, confirmed by the Egyptian presidency, came as Yemen's Houthi group continued to escalate attacks against the kingdom.

What the Council Pledged

The council committed to helping safeguard Saudi Arabia's resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites, according to the official presidency statement. It also resolved to intensify political and diplomatic efforts in coordination with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions across the broader Middle East and work toward peaceful resolutions to ongoing crises.

The council stated that Saudi national security is intrinsically linked to Egyptian and Arab national security, and described the escalating Houthi attacks against the kingdom as 'unacceptable.'

Senior Officials Present

The high-level gathering was attended by a cross-section of Egypt's top leadership, including the parliament speaker, prime minister, defence minister, foreign minister, interior minister, intelligence chief, and senior military commanders — signalling the gravity with which Cairo is treating the regional escalation.

Sisi's Earlier Remarks and Parliamentary Path

On Saturday, President El-Sisi had indicated that Egypt was prepared to take 'any measures' requested by Riyadh to defend its security and sovereignty, while stressing that any intervention would require parliamentary approval. He called for an emergency parliamentary session to authorise such action if formally requested, and was explicit that he was speaking 'strictly in terms of defence' rather than an offensive posture or war declaration.

This distinction is significant: it positions Egypt as a reactive rather than proactive military actor, preserving diplomatic room while sending a deterrent signal to the Houthis and their backers.

Fighting Near Bab al-Mandeb Strait

Simultaneously, fierce clashes erupted near Yemen's strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Sunday as Yemeni government forces launched a fresh offensive against Houthi positions in the area. Units from the Giants Brigades and Nation Shield Forces advanced from multiple directions to seize key Houthi-held positions overlooking the strait's approaches, according to a government military official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official described extensive Houthi resistance from fortified positions and trenches, with widespread minefields further complicating the government advance. 'The fighting is among the fiercest we have seen in the area,' the official said. 'The Houthis are heavily entrenched, and our forces are trying to break through their defensive lines.'

Regional Context and What Comes Next

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait — a chokepoint through which a significant share of global shipping passes — has become a flashpoint in the broader Yemen conflict, with Houthi operations in the area drawing increased international concern. Egypt's explicit backing of Saudi Arabia marks a notable hardening of Cairo's public stance, particularly given the two countries' longstanding strategic alignment.

The next critical development will be whether Saudi Arabia formally requests Egyptian military intervention, and whether Egypt's parliament convenes an emergency session to authorise it — a move that would represent a significant escalation in regional dynamics.