Egypt president says military action to defend Saudi Arabia
President Al-Sisi stated Egypt's proposed military effort is solely for defending Saudi territory and not for attacking Yemen.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announced on Wednesday that any proposed Egyptian military effort would be directed towards defending Saudi Arabian territory, clarifying that it would not involve an attack on Yemen. He added that Egypt would extend this defense to any other Arab state upon request, emphasizing that the security of Gulf nations is integral to Egypt's own national security. Al-Sisi made these remarks during the Homeland and Citizen Security session at the Egypt Forum 2026, highlighting the indivisibility of Arab national security.
The President also addressed the importance of strengthening Egypt and maintaining public solidarity in the face of numerous risks, including the Ethiopian dam. He reiterated that targeting state institutions, as seen in 2011, is a tactic to destabilize nations. Al-Sisi identified the armed forces and the Interior Ministry as foundational pillars of state security, noting ongoing attempts to undermine the Interior Ministry's role and public perception.
Al-Sisi called for a review of the 2011 events to prevent their recurrence, citing the targeting of security forces, prison breaks, and subsequent consequences as examples of state collapse. He stressed the critical need to preserve state institutions, warning that their failure leads to widespread problems, a situation he noted is evident in the current regional landscape.
Why it mattersEgypt's military stance affects regional security and stability for Arab nations.