Arab support for Saudi Arabia has moved from statements to constitutional steps since the Houthi group stepped up its missile and drone launches towards the Kingdom in October. The latest came on Monday, 26 October, when Egypt's House of Representatives authorised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take the measures needed to support the Kingdom and stand by it in its defence.
The decision passed with a two-thirds majority in a third closed session chaired by Speaker Hisham Badawi in the New Administrative Capital, following sessions on 18 and 19 October. According to the House statement, the mandate applies "following coordination between the two fraternal nations" and is meant to "defend its territory, sovereignty and holy sites against any external aggression." It rests on a decision taken by Egypt's National Defense Council at its meeting on 18 October.
Why did it need a special vote? Article 152 of Egypt's constitution bars the president from declaring war or sending the armed forces on a combat mission abroad without first consulting the National Defense Council and winning the approval of two thirds of the House. The chamber's internal rules require that vote to take place in an urgent closed session called at the president's request, and members voted by roll call. Egypt's top diplomat, Badr Abdelatty, described Cairo's backing for the Kingdom as clearly defensive in purpose.
The Arab Parliament welcomed the move, saying it reflected genuine Arab solidarity and a united stand in the face of crises. Earlier this month, the Houthi group had sent a letter to the Speaker of Egypt's House warning against this course, CNN Arabic reported, citing the group's Saba news agency.
On the ground, Saudi authorities have reported intercepting missiles launched in recent days towards the Makkah and Madinah regions as well as Taif and Yanbu, and President El-Sisi said last week that Egypt stood ready to carry out any measure the Kingdom requests to defend its security and sovereignty. In the early hours of Tuesday, 27 October, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced that three ballistic missiles launched towards the Eastern Province had been intercepted and destroyed.
