Egypt's parliament will meet on Sunday after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asked lawmakers to authorize support for Saudi defenses. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy, Sisi said on Saturday that it was "inconceivable" for Cairo to stand by while Saudi Arabia was "harmed or its security and stability threatened.” "Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you," he said. Sisi said Cairo stood "with full force and support to protect and defend the lands of our brothers in the Gulf,” before asking attendees to stand and give a military salute to Gulf states. "I'm not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone," he added. "We are speaking only about defense." Shortly after Sisi's remarks, state media reported that parliament would convene an emergency session on Sunday at the president's request. Former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy said that al-Sisi’s remarks about Egypt’s willingness to take measures to protect its Gulf Arab brethren, if requested, “carry a clear political and strategic message: Egypt views Gulf security as an integral part of Egyptian and Arab national security, and Arab solidarity is not limited to political and diplomatic positions, but extends to a readiness to shoulder responsibility when Arab states face threats to their security and stability.” Hegazy told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the president’s remarks also underscore that any potential Egyptian action would be defensive and protective in nature, undertaken at the request of its Gulf partners, rather than aimed at attacking any party or entering into an open military confrontation.” He said this “reflects the distinction between possessing the capability to protect Arab interests and seeking escalation.” “The president’s remarks affirm that force in this context is a tool of deterrence and protection, not an instrument of war and escalation. This comes within the framework of Egypt’s longstanding commitment to Arab solidarity, while safeguarding security, stability, and the resources of the countries of the region,” he added.
