Israel’s army on Wednesday staged a surprise drill on the northern border, the military said.

Israel's army on Wednesday staged a surprise drill on the northern border, the Israeli military said.

The one-day exercise was ordered by army chief Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, a military statement said, "in order to examine the competence and preparedness of several units in the army, led by (the) artillery corps."

The drill was not previously announced, but the military said it had been scheduled. "The drill is a part of routine inspection in the army," the statement said.

"These drills take place throughout the year." Military sources said the drill began with soldiers being drafted from their homes, after which they were dispatched by air to the Golan Heights, which borders Syria.

The drill was to end with a live fire exercise later in the day, sources added.

"The drill was scheduled in advance and does not indicate any changes in the army's levels of alert," they said.

Israel is closely watching its northern border with Syria, especially as it claims the regime is supplying chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.