Egyptian President Says Military Plan Aims to Defend Saudi Arabia, Not Attack Yemen

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al‑Sisi said the country’s proposed military effort is intended to defend Saudi Arabia’s territory and does not involve an attack on Yemen.

Wednesday remarks at Egypt Forum 2026

Speaking during the Homeland and Citizen Security session on the third day of the Egypt Forum 2026, Al‑Sisi emphasized that Egypt would act to protect Saudi Arabia’s borders if requested. He added that Egypt would also defend any other Arab state that asked for assistance.

Scope of the proposed operation

The president clarified that the operation would be limited to Saudi territory and would not extend beyond the borders of Egypt or any “brotherly” state whose security Egypt seeks to preserve, according to the presidential spokesperson.

Broader regional security view

Al‑Sisi described Arab national security as indivisible and said the stability of Gulf states is a matter of Egypt’s national security. He called for restoring stability in Sudan, Libya and Somalia as part of a common Arab security framework.

Domestic security emphasis

During the session, attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and senior defence, interior and foreign ministers, the president warned that targeting state institutions remains a tactic used to undermine governments, citing the 2011 upheavals. He identified the armed forces and the Interior Ministry as the two pillars of state security and urged continued public support for these institutions.

Current status

Egypt has not launched any military action yet. The government says the proposal remains defensive and contingent on a request from Saudi Arabia or another Arab state. Officials stress that the plan is part of a broader effort to strengthen Egypt’s own security and to support regional stability.

Why it matters: The statement clarifies Egypt’s stance amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf regions. By positioning its potential involvement as defensive, Egypt signals support for Saudi Arabia while attempting to avoid escalation with Yemen, a factor that could affect trade routes, energy supplies and security dynamics across the Middle East.