A knife seized by the IDF froma 20 year old Palestinian man at a checkpoint in March of 2011. The man arrested was also carrying 5 pipebombs and 3 molotov cocktails (firebombs). Photo: wiki commons.

An Israeli cab driver heading from Tel Aviv to Kfar Saba – a 14.5 mile trip- was stabbed several times overnight by an Arab man described by police as being in the country illegaly.

The suspect, who paid for the trip upon entering the taxi, fled the scene of the crime but police did arrest a suspect linked to the attack .

“We’re shocked by this. We all love him and hope he pulls through,” said the owner of the taxi company.

Stabbing attacks have riddled Israel recently, including an incident last week in Jerusalem, an attack on an IDF soldier in March, and a plot uncovered by authorities last month which included the arrest of two men carrying large knives.  In all 3 incidents, Arab men were arrested in connection with the attacks, and police described the intent as “nationalistically motivated”.

Following the stabbing of a female IDF soldier in Jerusalem last month, the city’s mayor said life would go on as normal.

“I regard this attempt to disrupt life in Jerusalem with great gravity. Routine events in Jerusalem will continue as planned, and the light rail will continue to operate and serve all residents, Jews and Arabs,” Mayor Nir Barkat said.

The cab driver who was stabbed overnight was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.