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# Egypt Pushes Yemen Talks as Parliament Weighs Saudi Military Support
- URL: https://www.theglobalvoice.com/egypt-pushes-yemen-talks-as-parliament-weighs-saudi-military-support/
- Published: 2026-10-23T11:47:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:47:23.000Z
- Description: Egypt is pressing for a political settlement in Yemen while preparing for a parliamentary vote on military support for Saudi Arabia. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi says any assistance would be defensive, as Cairo seeks Houthi withdrawal from territory near Bab el-Mandeb.
- Author: TGV Desk
- Tags: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Houthis, Middle East, Regional Security, Diplomacy, Bab el-Mandeb, The Day So Far, Top Stories, has-audio

Egypt is pressing for negotiations to end the renewed war in Yemen while preparing for the possibility of sending military assistance to Saudi Arabia, an approach that would allow Cairo to support its closest Gulf ally without joining offensive operations against the Houthis.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Thursday, October 22, that Egypt wanted to pursue every opportunity for a political settlement, including securing a Houthi withdrawal from territory seized near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in September. His remarks came ahead of an October 26 parliamentary vote on authorising Egyptian forces to assist Saudi Arabia.

The negotiations would have direct implications for Egypt's own security. Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, providing the southern approach to the Suez Canal. Renewed fighting around the strait, where [Yemeni government forces have claimed the recovery of several coastal positions](https://www.theglobalvoice.com/yemeni-forces-retake-bab-el-mandeb-coast-from-houthis/), has increased concerns about commercial shipping and the security of one of Egypt's principal sources of foreign currency.

Cairo's proposed military role has been carefully restricted by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. On October 21, he said any Egyptian involvement would be confined to defending Saudi territory and borders, explicitly ruling out attacks on Yemen. The statement followed a meeting of Egypt's National Defence Council, which [pledged all necessary and possible support for Saudi Arabia](https://www.presidency.eg/en/%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9/news18102026/?ref=theglobalvoice.com) while calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

That commitment has yet to become a military deployment. Parliament postponed its decision until October 26 after lawmakers sought further deliberation over the proposed authorisation. The government has not publicly specified whether assistance would involve air defence systems, naval forces, military advisers or other capabilities.

Egyptian diplomacy continued during the parliamentary discussions. Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad travelled to Riyadh on Wednesday, delivering a written message from Sisi to Saudi King Salman during talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The [Egyptian Foreign Ministry's account of the visit](https://sis.gov.eg/en/media-center/news/foreign-minister-head-of-general-intelligence-service-deliver-written-message-from-the-president-to-the-custodian-of-the-two-holy-mosques/?ref=theglobalvoice.com) emphasised solidarity with Saudi Arabia and closer coordination between the governments.

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Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks since fighting intensified in September, including strikes on civilian airports and energy infrastructure. Riyadh has responded with air operations against Houthi positions while supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government in its campaign to recover territory.

Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015, contributing primarily to maritime security operations in the Red Sea. Its involvement in the present conflict has remained largely diplomatic, despite growing pressure on regional governments to respond to attacks against Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis have warned Cairo against deeper military involvement, arguing that participation could endanger Egypt's security and stability.

Abdelatty has continued to advocate political negotiations while condemning attacks on Saudi territory. During [talks with Yemen's foreign minister on October 17](https://sis.gov.eg/en/media-center/news/fm-reaffirms-egypt-s-support-for-security-political-settlement-in-yemen/?ref=theglobalvoice.com), he reiterated Egypt's support for Yemen's sovereignty and a negotiated settlement, alongside the protection of Red Sea shipping.

The October 26 vote will determine whether Sisi receives parliamentary authority to provide military assistance if Riyadh requests it. Any deployment would still require a separate decision on its form and scope, leaving Cairo's diplomatic efforts and its proposed defensive commitments proceeding along parallel tracks.