What help can Egypt offer Saudi Arabia in the war against the Houthis?

What the report says

Egypt is seeking parliamentary approval for possible defensive military support to Saudi Arabia as fighting with Yemen’s Houthi movement intensifies, according to Al Jazeera. The request was made by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who told lawmakers he wants authorisation for aid only if Riyadh asks for it. Egyptian officials said the support would be aimed at protecting Saudi security and stability, not launching offensive action.

The report says the move comes amid continued Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including Riyadh and critical infrastructure such as airports and oil facilities. It also links Cairo’s decision to wider regional and economic concerns, including threats to Red Sea shipping and the Suez Canal, as well as the large number of Egyptians who live and work in Saudi Arabia. Analysts quoted by Al Jazeera said Egypt is unlikely to send troops to Yemen and would instead focus on air and missile defence, counter-drone measures, naval escort and intelligence sharing.

The Egyptian parliament is due to meet on Sunday, and under Egyptian law the president needs parliamentary approval before sending forces on foreign missions. The article notes that Egypt has worked with Saudi Arabia before through maritime security efforts in the Red Sea and in joint exercises, but the current proposal would be a more direct bilateral commitment. It also recalls Egypt’s costly intervention in Yemen in the 1960s, which analysts say makes another ground deployment unlikely.