IDF calls up thousands for surprise exercise in the Golan

 The Israel Defence Forces opened a surprise exercise in the Golan Heights.

The military called up thousands of reservists on Sunday morning for the exercise, which reportedly will take place for several days.

The IDF Spokesman told Israeli media that the large-scale drill, though a surprise to the participants, was planned in advance and is designed to maintain troop combat preparedness.

The exercise comes as tension has increased on Israel’s northern border, including airstrikes on Syrian military targets and Iranian military targets in Syria said to have been undertaken by Israel.