Reports: Egypt is preparing for a possible attack in Yemen

Reports in Egypt, which have not yet been verified from other sources, reveal that Cairo is preparing for the possibility of military action against the Houthis in Yemen, against the background of the escalation of threats to the international shipping lanes that serve as a vital artery for world trade. According to the reports, Egypt is showing an increasing willingness to be actively involved in the Yemeni arena, and is preparing Rafale and F-16 fighter jets to carry out airstrikes against the Houthis.

The reports indicate that these moves come in response to attacks by the Houthis that have caused serious economic damage to Egypt, chief among them a decrease in Suez Canal revenue, which is estimated at seven billion dollars. Because of this, the military move turns from a purely security measure into a clear economic necessity, designed to ensure the continued flow of trade in the strategic waterways.

Israeli intelligence sources are closely following the developments, and point to the pressures exerted on Egypt to deepen its involvement in the conflict with the Houthis. The international law expert, Dr. Muhammad Mahmoud Mehran, claims that Egypt is basing its actions on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which grants states the right of self-defense against a threat to their national security. According to him, the threats of the Houthis pose an immediate danger to Egypt, especially when it comes to the security of the Suez Canal and the nearby waterways.

Despite the claims of external influences, and in particular on the part of Israel, Cairo emphasizes that its measures are solely intended to protect its national interests and security. Mehran estimates that regional stability is Egypt’s top priority, but the many tensions in the region, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, may add complex layers to Egyptian policy on this issue. The Egyptian government has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.