  A minimally constructed $\Lambda$-nucleus density-dependent optical potential
is used to calculate binding energies of observed $1s_{\Lambda}$,
$1p_{\Lambda}$ states across the periodic table, leading to a repulsive
$\Lambda NN$ contribution $D_{\Lambda}^{(3)}\approx 14$ MeV to the
phenomenological $\Lambda$-nucleus potential depth $D_{\Lambda}\approx -30$
MeV. This value is significant in connection with the so-called 'hyperon
puzzle'.
