Biden's initial confidence on Israel gives way to the complexities and casualties of a brutal war

President Joe Biden answers a question about Israel as he tours demonstrations during White House Demo Day, showcasing science and technology that have resulted from infrastructure investments at The Showroom in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

In the early days and hours after the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, President Joe Biden spoke with stark declarations and unqualified support for the longtime U.S. ally.

Now, a month on, that unambiguous backing has given way to the complexities and haunting casualties of the war, and the Biden administration is imploring Israel to rein in some of its tactics to ease civilian suffering in Gaza.

As condemnation of the conflict has grown around the world, stoking anti-Israel sentiment, the Democratic president is also confronting the limits of the U.S. ability to direct the outcome — not only about the war, but what comes after it.