Cairo is currently showing little interest in joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. Although Egypt has extended a symbolic offer of support to Riyadh, experts believe it is unlikely to be acted upon. Jonathan Hessen, a senior fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, shared these insights with The Jerusalem Post, emphasizing the limited practical implications of this offer.
Egypt’s Stance on the Mecca Pact
Recently, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Bloomberg during the International Monetary Fund’s annual meeting. He stated that while Egypt is considering the possibility of joining the Mecca pact, its support for Riyadh in the ongoing conflict with the Houthis remains more of a theoretical proposition. “We will respond to whatever is asked by the Saudis,” Abdelatty said, indicating openness to assist without any hesitation.
However, developments on the same day contradicted Cairo’s claims of potential involvement. For instance, Egypt hosted a trilateral meeting with defense ministers from Greece and Cyprus, an action that suggests a different regional focus entirely. Hessen noted that this meeting does not support the narrative suggesting imminent Egyptian participation in the pact.
Unique Interests of Mecca Pact Members
Each nation involved in the Mecca pact has specific enemies or threats that compel their collaboration. For Saudi Arabia, the principal concern is the Houthi threat; for Pakistan, it’s geopolitical tensions with India and Iran; and for Turkey, the main focus is Israel. Hessen’s analysis highlights how these unique perspectives define the members’ commitment to the alliance.
Notably, Article 6 of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt obligates Cairo to uphold the terms of peace unconditionally. This means Egypt is restricted from entering into any agreements that could potentially undermine its existing commitments, thereby complicating its potential involvement in the Mecca pact.
The Constraints on Egypt’s Involvement
Egypt’s hesitance to dive into this alliance can be attributed to numerous pressing internal issues. According to Hessen, Cairo is currently dealing with various dilemmas, including the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, ongoing tribal tensions, and disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. These challenges take precedence and limit Egypt’s ability to offer military support to Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the ongoing crisis in Sudan poses additional complications. Egypt’s border with a conflict-ridden Sudan necessitates a focus on domestic stability rather than military ventures abroad. This leaves little room for extensive foreign commitments.
Navigating Regional Interests
Despite Saudi Arabia’s interest in securing Egyptian support, there remains a significant level of hesitance stemming from Cairo’s internal challenges. While Egypt’s support for freedom of navigation in the region is crucial—especially regarding the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which is vital for Suez Canal traffic—the Egyptian government has yet to deploy any naval assets to the area, even after discussions with Saudi Arabia.
Reports suggest that Houthi activity has already incurred substantial financial losses—estimated around $20 billion—due to disruptions in navigation. As Egypt weighs its international and domestic responsibilities, the strategic balance it must maintain becomes increasingly complex.