Houthi rebels in Yemen attempted to strike Israel’s Ben Gurion airport after sinking two vessels in the Red Sea this week, as the group ramps up its military pressure in support of Palestinians under Israeli fire in its bid to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

The US has accused the Houthis of kidnapping several crew members. They were “much more aggressive” attacks than in the past, said Martin Kelly, head of advisory for maritime security experts EOS Risk Group.