[Video transcript]

In the weeks following the October 7th terror attacks by Hamas, the message from Joe Biden's administration in Washington was clear. 

And his vice-president was often tasked with conveying that stance.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris: "We are going to continue to stand with Israel's right to defend itself. And let's be clear and never forget what happened on October 7th."

Kamala Harris repeated that message at home and during her multiple travels abroad.

But as the war in Gaza dragged on, Washington's so-called "iron-clad" commitment to Israel was slowly replaced by growing frustration.

The rising death toll, the displacements  and the dwindling aid deliveries to the territory led to accusations Israel was deliberately targeting civilians, and a shift in stance by the administration in Washington.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris: "As Israel defends itself, it matters how. The United States is unequivocal: International Humanitarian law must be respected. Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating."

Protests against the war in Gaza and the Biden adminstration's continued political and military support of Israel have been taking place across the US — many on college campuses. In March, Harris became the first administration official to publicly call for a immediate temporary truce.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris: "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire."

Harris is acutely aware of the potential voter backlash over the war in Gaza as she launches her bid to become the Democratic party's nominee for president. 

She will have a delicate balancing act: Maintaining the US' strong ties with Israel while seeking to retain — or bring back — voters discontented by the way the administration she's part of has handled the war in Gaza.