The Israeli military said it uncovered a rocket in the West Bank city of Tulkarm on Tuesday, the second such incident in recent weeks, in what security officials described as part of an Iranian-directed effort to develop rocket capabilities in the territory.

Border Police sappers neutralized the device, and troops swept the area, the army said.

A week earlier, security forces raided a site near Ramallah, seizing dozens of rockets and arresting three suspects after an attempted launch.

Defense officials said, “foreign elements, led by Iran,” were working to promote rocket fire from the West Bank, which could place cities in central and northern Israel within range.

Iran has not commented on the allegations.