Israel elections: Netanyahu's big test

Kate Adie introduces stories from Israel, Albania, the US and Chile.

Israel goes to the polls on Tuesday in a pivotal vote on the future direction of the country. Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a serious political challenge in former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, though neither is likely to be able to win a majority reports Lucy Williamson.

Student protesters have faced-off against riot police in Albania for nearly a fortnight in violent clashes, with many demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. This follows weeks of largely peaceful demonstrations over the rising cost of living and education – and the environmental impact of a planned luxury tourist development. Nick Thorpe has been in the capital Tirana.

In the Republican state of Nebraska, many American ranchers say they're being hit from all sides as a result of drought, wildfires, and government policies - including the decision to import duty-free foreign beef and the rising cost of fuel due to the Iran war. The economic pinch has left some reassessing their political allegiances ahead of the mid-term elections, finds Sheila Flynn.

Chile’s capital Santiago is having its wettest October on record. In one intense storm, a month's worth of rain poured down in under 20 minutes. Residents are blaming ‘El Nino Godzilla’ – this year’s super-powered version of the weather phenomenon. Jane Chambers reveals how it’s affecting daily life.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith