Why is Egypt jumping into Houthi war? First, follow the money.

Key Points:

• Egypt's parliament has authorized President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi to take "necessary measures" to defend Saudi Arabia against the Iran-aligned Houthi group, despite initial institutional reluctance and concerns over undisclosed mission details.
• Egypt's decision is heavily influenced by financial ties, as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states hold nearly $18 billion in deposits at Egypt’s central bank, which are crucial for Egypt's foreign currency reserves amid economic challenges.
• The Houthis' attacks on Red Sea shipping and control over strategic ports threaten Egypt's vital Suez Canal revenues, which have already declined significantly due to rerouted maritime traffic.
• Egypt is attempting to balance its military support for Saudi Arabia with calls for a political resolution in Yemen, while also maintaining backchannel communications with Iran and other regional powers to avoid broader conflict.
• The escalation risks increased direct attacks on Egypt, economic strain from rising energy prices, threats to remittances from Egyptians working in the Gulf, and potential disruption from Iranian plans to target Gulf infrastructure.