Mideast Tensions latest: Gold Apollo says a Budapest company made exploding pagers under its brand

Taiwanese company Gold Apollo says it authorized its brand on the pagers that exploded in Lebanon and Syria, but another company based in Budapest manufactured them. Hundreds of handheld pagers exploded almost simultaneously Tuesday across Lebanon and in parts of Syria, killing at least nine people. Officials pointed the finger at Israel in what appeared to be a sophisticated remote attack. The Israeli military declined to comment. Hezbollah began striking Israel almost immediately after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire daily, coming close to a full-blown war on several occasions and forcing tens of thousands on both sides of the border to evacuate their homes.