Against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran, an expert is warning that Tehran could activate sleeper terror cells on behalf of the regime in Israel and the United States.
Dr. Yossi Mansharof of the Misgav Institute cautions in a position paper that Iran-linked cells could even use weapons smuggled in recent months from Egypt in massive quantities.
Mansharof cites Iranian regime–affiliated outlets and figures proposing possible responses to American and/or Israeli action. Beyond missile fire and closing the Strait of Hormuz, he writes that “a key element in this scenario is a ground invasion of Israel,” an idea recently revived in Iran by security analyst Mehdi Mohammadi.
According to Mansharof, if the current escalation turns into war, Iran will continue to rely on its missile and UAV capabilities — but may also pursue a ground-invasion option. Among Iran’s proxy network, the Houthis appear to have the capability to advance such an attack, requiring tight Israeli preparedness along the Jordanian border. Their operational plan reportedly involves moving thousands of operatives through Saudi Arabia or Iraq into Jordan, arming there, and invading Israel from the east. In November 2025, Defense Minister Katz revealed that the Houthis had also gained a foothold in Syria, prompting Israeli preparations for a possible incursion from Syrian territory as well.