BIG: Egypt’s National Defense Council has approved providing “all necessary and possible forms of support” to defend Saudi Arabia, as Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensify.

The council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, declared full solidarity with Riyadh and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

The move follows Sisi’s pledge on Saturday that Egypt would take any measure to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, stressing the role would be defensive only.

Egypt’s parliament was set to hold an emergency session on Sunday to consider authorizing the deployment.