How did Simon Maccabeus gain political independence for Judaea?

Simon Maccabeus gained political independence for Judaea by succeeding his brother Jonathan Maccabeus as the leader of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid dynasty in 143 or 142 BCE.12

Building upon the efforts of his predecessors to exploit the internal instability and competing claims for the Seleucid throne, Simon successfully established himself as the high priest, ruler, and ethnarch of Judaea. By securing these hereditary offices, he effectively broke free from Seleucid control and became the first leader of the Hasmonean dynasty.13