Egypt's House of Representatives puts off to 26 October its vote on authorising military support for Saudi Arabia
20 October 2026
Egypt's House of Representatives on 19 October 2026 adjourned to 26 October its vote on authorising the armed forces to support Saudi Arabia. Parliament has been asked to let President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi approve any Saudi request for defence assistance amid Houthi attacks on the kingdom. The National Defence Council approved the request on 18 October, and Egypt's constitution requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority before troops are sent on a combat mission abroad. The opposition Egyptian Social Democratic Party told its lawmakers to abstain, saying parliament lacked information on the mission's objectives, duration, cost and risks to troops, though two of its members said most of the party's lawmakers support the measure. Sisi, who had asked for an emergency session on 17 October saying it is inconceivable that Egypt would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed, said the country was talking only about defence.
In plain words
House of Representatives Majlis al-Nuwab — The lower house of Egypt's parliament, which must approve sending troops abroad.
National Defence Council National Defence Council — The Egyptian body chaired by the President that examines matters of national security before parliament votes.