Houthis imposed a ban on Israeli-linked vessels and conducted attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from 2023 to 2025, citing retaliation for Israel's Gaza operations. Global seaborne trade volume through the strait declined from approximately 10% to 3% according to Clarksons Research and PortWatch data, prompting reroutes around Africa. Perspectives differ on causation, strategic implications, and unexamined effects on energy prices and naval responses.