Flagship newsletter icon
From Semafor Flagship
In your inbox, every weekday
Sign up

Egypt pledges to support Saudi Arabia in Houthi war

Oct 18, 2026, 6:33pm EDT
PostEmailWhatsapp
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo, Egypt, September 15, 2026
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on September 15. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters

Egypt pledged “all necessary and possible forms of support” to Saudi Arabia as intensifying Houthi attacks risk a widening regional conflict.

Following the announcement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorize military action, bringing the Arab world’s largest army a step closer to direct involvement and marking a shift in Cairo’s posture.

Egypt stopped short of joining a mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, but is losing billions annually from Houthi strikes. Cairo’s pledge also signals closer alignment with Riyadh, a major financial backer that has provided billions in aid and investment.

“Cairo, whether it likes it or not, has become a party to the war,” a Saudi columnist wrote in Asharq Al-Awsat.

AD